Otters have successfully colonised many urban waterways as water quality has improved, and managing the welfare risks of urban living enables thriving city populations.
Urban otters face elevated welfare risks from road traffic that do not exist in rural riverine habitats. City roads crossed during range excursions or dispersal cause significant mortality. Individual otters killed on urban roads experience acute traumatic welfare harm, and their loss from established territories disrupts the social stability of surviving family members that may be dependent. Awareness of otter road mortality blackspots, combined with speed reduction and wildlife crossing provision at identified crossing points, can reduce this preventable welfare harm. Holt disturbance during breeding season also causes acute stress and potential pup mortality.