Eurasian otters have recovered significantly in the UK following bans on organochlorine pesticides, but face new threats from road mortality, fishing gear, and water quality degradation.
Otters are highly sensitive indicators of river health due to their high position in the food chain. Despite their remarkable recovery, they face ongoing welfare threats. Road mortality at bridges where otters travel under rather than through culverts is a significant and preventable cause of death. Otter ledges and passes at road crossings dramatically reduce this mortality. Fishing gear entanglement causes drowning. Illegal persecution by fishing interests continues in some areas. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sewage affects prey fish availability. Climate change is altering river flood patterns. Mange from dog distemper is an emerging concern in some populations. Orphaned otter cubs require very specialized, intensive care before they can survive independently.