European otters have recovered significantly following pesticide bans and river habitat improvements. Ongoing threats still require management attention.
Recovered otter populations still face welfare challenges primarily from road mortality and accidental drowning in fishing gear. Otters struck by vehicles on roads crossing rivers often suffer severe injuries without immediate assistance. Otter ledges installed inside culverts to prevent otters swimming through road crossings have substantially reduced collision rates. Voluntary fish trap modifications to allow air access prevent drowning in deployed gear.