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Otter makes surprise appearance in Metro Vancouver couple's backyard (PHOTOS)

A Metro Vancouver couple got a surprise visitor in their backyard over the weekend: A wandering otter.

 This otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple's backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William HansenThis otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple’s backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William Hansen

Tsawwassen’s William and Kathy Hansen got a surprise visitor in their backyard over the weekend.

An otter, the same type of critter that popped up again recently on the prowl for more koi at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, paid them a visit Saturday morning.

“We did not know what that thing was. Freaked my cat right out,” Kathy said with a laugh. “My husband just jumped up and started taking pictures.”

 This otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple's backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William HansenThis otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple’s backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William Hansen

She said the otter eventually took off through a hole in their fence.

Their daughter Rachel posted photos of the otter to the Tsawwassen Loop Facebook group where it generated plenty of chatter.

 This otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple's backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William HansenThis otter paid a surprise visit to a Tsawwassen couple’s backyard Saturday morning. Photo courtesy William Hansen

If you're an otter fan, you might want to check out V.I.A.'s Chinatown Otter t-shirt (and mug); partial proceeds will go to the World Wildlife Fund to symbolically adopt - and help - otters.

 Our Chinatown Otter t-shirt is available exclusively through our online storeOur Chinatown Otter t-shirt

With additional reporting from V.I.A.