Photographer Kevin McGorry was recently taking pictures of local wildlife at Manor Lake in Falls Township when he spotted something surprising: two river otters, writes Jo Ciavaglia for the Bucks County Courier Times.
While this is certainly an exciting sight for any amateur wildlife photographer, it’s also a positive for the state.
The American river otter was at one point close to extinction due to industrialization and excessive trapping. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the return of these mammals indicates that the water quality has improved in Pennsylvania, which is beneficial for animals and people alike.
Officials believe that the health improvements in major waterways, like the Delaware River, have allowed otters to move to new areas.
McGorry, a Falls native, was happy to capture photos and videos of the cute critters, a hobby he’s enjoyed since attending Pennsbury High School.
“It’s something I was hoping I’d see,” McGorry said. “That is one to scratch off my bucket list.”
Read more about the river otters photographed by Kevin McGorry at Manor Lake and what their return means for animals and humans in the Bucks County Courier Times.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on BUCKSCO Today in September 2025.
