River otters have recovered remarkably across the UK following pesticide bans and improved water quality. Their welfare depends on undisturbed riverbank habitat and clean, fish-rich waterways.
Recovering otter populations still face significant welfare threats from road traffic, dog attacks and habitat disturbance. Otters killed on roads at river crossings represent avoidable welfare costs that persist despite population recovery. Dog attacks on otters swimming in rivers frequented by recreational users cause serious injuries and death. Cubs separated from mothers during disturbance events face rapid starvation and hypothermia. The energy demands of an otter maintaining a large territory through cold winter months mean that any additional stress from human disturbance imposes significant welfare costs.