Eurasian otter populations have recovered substantially since organochlorine pesticide bans in the 1980s, but water quality and road mortality continue to affect individual otter welfare.
Otters that must cross roads to move between river systems face high mortality risk. Road injuries cause traumatic deaths or serious wounds requiring rehabilitation. Low fish populations from water quality degradation force otters to travel further, increasing road exposure and energy deficit. Otter welfare and river ecosystem health are inseparable.