Meet Bradley Miller
A question and answer session with our 2024 IOSF Otter Oscars Young Person Award winner Bradley Miller from Connecticut, USA!
Bradley has a fantastic passion for otters, and the North American river otters in particular. He has been very active in highlighting the importance of otters to his classmates in school through various methods such as presentations and leaflets. Bradley is now surveying his local wetlands for signs of otters, with the support of IOSF.
IOSF: Bradley, we know you love otters, probably more than most and we are inspired by someone so young gaining that passion - but our question is... why did you choose otters?
Bradley: My parents took me to Beardsley Zoo here in our home state, and they have a North American River Otter exhibit. I found them so cute and playful. I was only about a year old. At the gift shop, my parents bought me my first stuffed animal otter, and he is my "best friend" to this day.
IOSF: If you could pick a favourite species of otter, which one would you pick and why?
Bradley: I would choose the North American River Otter as they are the native species in my area, and I can research them in the wild. They're super cute and I love how they act like cats when they play.
IOSF: We know that you are investigating otters in your area of Connecticut, what have you found so far?
Bradley: I have found that they might be in an area that is on conservation land, away from humans, and that they are on the other side of the river, which is away from the main road, which is safer for them. I have found foot prints using my Northeast Animal footprint guide. I am hoping to set up cameras to survey the area, so I can log their activities, and then I can then work with our local town conservation people to place proper security measures in place to help protect them.
IOSF: Why do you feel it is so important for people like you to have an affection for otters and want to help them?
Bradley: It's important for young people to get involved in helping conserve our endangered species. By starting at an early age, we can make sure that their numbers increase and not decrease further. If we can take care of them now, they will be around for the next generations to see and love as much as I do.
IOSF: What is your main concern for otters moving forward?
Bradley: My main concern is that they are getting hit by cars too frequently. We need to figure out a way to make people aware of areas that they are in so they slow down. Maybe signage posted in the areas that they cross could help prevent further incidents with vehicles.
IOSF: Finally, what is your message to our supporters about otters and their conservation?
Bradley: I would love to stress the importance of conserving all 13 species. To end fur trade, illegal trapping like snare trapping, and to focus on the beauty of these adorable animals. By working with conversationalists all over the world, we can hopefully end this cruelty and bring them back to the numbers that they deserve to be at.