Eurasian river otters have recovered strongly following protection and water quality improvements. Their welfare is supported by continued river restoration and reduction of persecution and road mortality.
River otter welfare is supported by their remarkable recovery — a genuine conservation success story demonstrating that removing the primary human threats allows natural population recovery. Ongoing welfare concerns include road mortality at river crossings (where otters leave water to cross highways), illegal persecution by fish farm operators who blame otters for fish losses, and pollution from agricultural runoff that reduces prey fish populations. Wildlife road crossing underpasses specifically designed for otters have proven highly effective at reducing road mortality where installed. Continued water quality improvement and legal protection enforcement maintains the conditions enabling otter welfare and population health.