The Eurasian otter has recovered across much of the UK following pesticide bans and legal protection. Maintaining this recovery requires continued attention to waterway quality and connectivity.
Individual otter welfare concerns centre on road traffic mortality and habitat quality. Otters struck by vehicles while crossing roads near bridges die painful deaths, and cubs lose their mothers before independence. Installing otter ledges under bridges provides a safe passage route and significantly reduces road mortality at known crossing points. Degraded waterways with poor water quality and depleted fish populations force otters to range further, increasing road crossing frequency. Continued investment in water quality improvement and targeted road engineering is essential to maintain individual welfare as well as population recovery.