The Eurasian otter has recovered substantially in UK waterways since the banning of organochlorine pesticides, but road mortality and mink competition remain challenges.
Otters killed on roads experience traumatic death or serious injury from vehicle impacts. Roadkill monitoring suggests many otters die at predictable crossing points where underpasses or velocity reduction measures could prevent deaths. Otters injured by roads may survive with permanent disability. Otter welfare is closely linked to river health: pollution, low fish stocks, and habitat disturbance all reduce welfare outcomes for individuals.