Sutro Sam, the first river otter in San Francisco in fifty years (photo by Mila Zinkova)

The patient crowd gathered around Sutro Baths—the ruins of a 19^th century public bathing pool on the Pacific Coast—had been awaiting the appearance of “Sutro Sam,” the first river otter in San Francisco in over fifty years. And he did not disappoint—he glided in the waters and playfully rolled a few times as if posing for the cameras.

Sutro Sam is used to being in the spotlight as visitors from all over California—and the world—have traveled to get a glimpse of this celebrity otter after the Huffington Post and other notable media outlets featured his story.  Why the fascination? Aside from being almost unbearably cute, the return of the river otter after such a long absence also underscores a conservation success story.

Megan Isadore, co-founder of The River Ecology Project, is celebrating his return for just this reason. “River otters are a sentinel species in that they require healthy watersheds to thrive.  The fact that river otters can live all over San Francisco Bay and the Bay Area indicates that we humans have done something right.  It shows that we can make positive changes to our environment, and we surely need all the encouragement we can get in these environmentally tough times.  So let’s celebrate Sam, and celebrate continuing conservation and restoration of the watersheds that support all living beings.”

Watch a video of Sutro Sam:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Our attraction to Sutro Sam might also speak to something more fundamental in us—the everyday awe of seeing wild creatures, especially in unexpected places like an urban environment. Megan agrees:  “Sutro Sam is a perfect example of the joy we gain from making the changes great and small that allow wildlife to return and thrive in areas where we haven’t seen them in a long time.”

And the thrill was no less diminished for me, even thought I travel around California all the time viewing wildlife. I gave a shout of delight each time he surfaced and snapped hundreds of photos. I also met a local woman, Mila Zinkova, who has been following his antics for some time and shared her impressive knowledge—and wonderful photos with me. Like many, she returns frequently to the baths to get another glimpse.

With all his popularity, the rangers at Golden Gate National Recreation Area are asking people to act responsibly and respectfully observe Sam from a distance for both the safety of the otter and their own safety. Keeping Sam a healthy and wild otter while he remains at Sutro Baths is a priority.

With Sutro’s Sam popularity, keeping him wild and safe is a priority (photo by Beth Pratt)

As I stood on the concrete wall of the baths watching Sam, someone shouted, “Dolphins!” I simply had to turn around to view a pod of bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the ocean. Perhaps even they can’t resist catching a glimpse of San Francisco’s rare and endearing river otter.

Sutro Sam catches a meal (Photo by Bill Keener)

River otters in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photo by Flickr member cchoc
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River otter by Flickr's ArcheiaMuriel

Americans consistently list clean water as their top environmental concern. After all, water is life. It creates jobs, provides transportation, hunting, fishing and other recreation opportunities. Wetlands provide vital wildlife habitat for animals like waterfowl and river otters, flood protection for communities and clean drinking water. However, there was a time when our waters truly burned from the nasty sludge, slime and filth dumped into them.  The Clean Water Act was created through bi-partisan efforts to save the lifeblood of our country, to protect our irreplaceable wetlands and water resources.  Now, a partisan effort is attempting to undo nearly 40 years of safeguards for our nation’s waters.

Water resources are scarce in many regions, but big polluters are only thirsty for money. Introducing legislation that could destroy our rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands is bad economics, bad politics and just a bad idea.

Tell Congress that clean water is the only choice. Send lawmakers a message that Americans care about protecting the Clean Water Act.