An otter has resurfaced on the campus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. This is the second time the smooth-coated otter is seen on the campus, it was last visible over five years ago. The researchers and officials are still pondering over the presence of the animal on campus.
Credits – New Indian Express
The Otter was first visible at the Centenary Pond on the campus. Several people on campus reportedly saw the creature a few times and later vanished temporarily. The researchers are still looking for a way it entered the water body, as they have already asserted that no one introduced it. The water body in IISc is only the second place where this particular animal is found. The smooth-coated otters are also seen in Hessarghatta lake, in Bengaluru.
“No one knows how it came. It is still a puzzle and we have thought of all angles. It could have come through the drains, but the high levels of pollutants and toxins cannot be ruled out. The Centenary Pond at IISc is rainwater-fed and was created in 2009.” said TV Ramachandra of the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc.
IISc campus Bengaluru
A few researchers have contemplated that the creature might have swum from Sankey Tank to the campus, as the two water bodies are connected through drains. However, given that this hypothesis is true, many are also questioning the presence of Otters in Sankey Tank, as they were last seen 15 years ago.
Meanwhile, the Chief Conservator of Forests, S S Lingaraja said that there are no otters in Bengaluru’s water bodies. The statement and the recent visuals of the creatures have added to the mystery of their presence.
