The mascot for the Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City 2002 was Otto the otter. Ancient Indian tribes considered the otter to be one of the most powerful of all animals. After being nearly wiped out by pollution and overtrapping the river otter has been reintroduced to Utah and can be seen along the banks of the Green River. The otter was chosen as the official mascot of the Salt Lake 2002 Paralympic Winter Games because he embodies vitality and agility, and represents the spirit of every Paralympian.