Eurasian and North American otters have recovered dramatically in recent decades following bans on organochlorine pesticides and improved river quality. Their stories show what conservation can achieve.
Otter recovery is a genuine welfare and conservation success. As populations grow, new welfare challenges emerge: road mortality at river crossings is now the leading cause of otter death in many areas; trout farm conflicts lead to illegal killing; mink farms that escaped can outcompete otters locally. Otter rescue and rehabilitation is highly effective when practitioners are trained in otter-specific needs. Oil spills and illegal poisoning still occur. Protecting the clean rivers and bankside habitat that allow otters to thrive requires ongoing commitment from farmers, water companies, and conservation agencies.