Researchers in Nangqian County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, found Eurasian otters appear frequently in the rivers of the Sanjiangyuan region. To observe them better, the researchers installed infrared cameras along the river bank and captured some interesting footage of the 'nightlife' of the Eurasian otters.

The Eurasian otter is under second-class state protection in China. The population of this species has been declining rapidly because of the habitat destruction and hunting because their fur is considered valuable.

As Yushui, one of the solar terms of the Chinese lunar calendar that arrived on February 19, some creatures will have different activities comparing to winter. Fish, for example, will begin to swim upstream, and therefore ancient Chinese divided Yushui into three pentads, and the first pentad is called "otters offering fish" referring to otters preying on fish at the beginning of spring.

The Eurasian otters at Sanjiangyuan follow this rule as well. In the infrared camera footage, there are many shots of the otters preying on fish and enjoy their "night snacks."

Experts pointed out that the frequent appearance of Eurasian otters in the region is related to the good local system. Due to years of ecological protection, the improvement of local environment enables the endangered Eurasian otters to thrive in this area.

(Cover image via VCG)

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