Fox and Otter Invade Lincoln: What Forced This Wild Pair Into the City Night?

Humans have built lucrative industries out of safari trips: candid on-the-ground looks at wild animals in their natural habitats. But what about the other way around? This Instagram video shows the unlikeliest duo—a fox and otter—cruising the deserted streets of Lincoln, United Kingdom, in the middle of the night. One can only hope this furry pair was going on a human safari of sorts.

The video, first shared in late November, attracted attention from local media and wildlife enthusiasts. Foxes are not known to form hunting parties with otters, much less to hang out with them and wander the empty streets of a city’s downtown. Footage like this, while undoubtedly adorable, brings up questions regarding human development and its effects on wild animal populations. Some argue that these creatures are merely following historical paths, except that these paths have been replaced by roads and buildings. Let’s learn more about this cute, viral, yet thought-provoking video.

A Night On the Town

In this Instagram video and expanded YouTube video, a fox and otter can be seen strolling through the deserted streets of Lincoln, United Kingdom, in the middle of the night. Short and dreamlike, the footage shows the pair exploring the concrete jungle. It’s easy to imagine the otter as the scout of the team. Meanwhile, the fox acts as the strategist, mapping out potential routes and food locations. They stroll down Lincoln’s High Street, periodically checking in with each other.

Footage like this shows a secret world that exists right outside our doors. It allows us to imagine how unlikely animal companions team up, explore the terrain, and perhaps catch some food in the process. It’s almost as if they are on a safari of their own. In this case, humans are the creatures living in a nature reserve. As seen in the footage, the fox and otter appear under the city’s glowing streetlights. Just as quickly, they are gone again, headed to parts unknown. It’s a brief, wondrous look at animal life in the middle of the night. However, it also raises questions about the tension between human development and wildlife.

An Adventure of Necessity

This footage is undoubtedly cute, but it raises questions about the tension between humans and wildlife. As cities continue to expand, they destroy natural habitats and leave wildlife homeless. Animals are then forced to abandon their traditional hunting grounds. In turn, they must head into human developments in hopes of finding food.

Unfortunately, this fox and otter adventure down High Street was likely less of a fun time than a trip of necessity. While otter populations have been making a comeback in the U.K. in recent years, they are forced to navigate increasingly fragmented habitats. Foxes, on the other hand, have adapted pretty well to urban environments. This Instagram video illustrates the resilience of animals, forced to adapt to the changes humans bring to their environment.