Otter Populations Growing In The Schuylkill River: Report

The Schuylkill River runs through the heart of some of the densest urban and suburban settlements in the region. Yet a world of wonder lurks just beneath the surface.

Giant catfish aren't the only unusual critters that call the river home.

River otters are becoming increasingly common, according to a report. One was recently caught on the fishway cam set up by Fairmount Waterworks in Philadelphia.

Joe Perillo of Roxborough, an aquatic biologist with the water department, told Philly Voice that the North American river otter's population is growing in the Schuylkill because the water quality is improving.

Perillo reportedly said that most sightings take place below the dam at the Art Museum, but there have been a few above the dam.

River otters come to the Schuylkill from the Delaware River, where their habitat is more abundant.