The European otter has recovered significantly in the UK since its population nadir in the 1970s, but faces continuing welfare challenges from pollution, road traffic, and habitat degradation.
Individual otter welfare is significantly affected by road traffic mortality, which causes trauma and death in animals crossing between water bodies. Otters hit by vehicles may survive with serious injuries unable to hunt effectively, leading to starvation. Pollution events can cause acute poisoning and chronic organ damage. Habitat fragmentation forces otters to cross roads more frequently, increasing collision risk. Otter passes under roads and wildlife crossings significantly reduce road mortality.