River otters are being reintroduced in New Mexico, thanks to the efforts of Taos Pueblo.

Otters were last seen in the state in 1953. So the tribe has been accepting them from Washington, where the animals are plenty.

"River otters are abundant here and people are supportive of having them live somewhere else," Darren Bruning, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, told The Seattle Times.

The tribe has accepted 33 river otters from Washington over the last three years. The last batch was released last month.

Get the Story:
Not wanted here, otters find peace in New Mexico (The Seattle Times 12/2)

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Taos Pueblo reintroduces otters on reservation (10/15)