Otter populations have made a remarkable recovery in UK rivers following pollution controls - welfare considerations in conservation management and road mortality mitigation are ongoing.
Otter welfare is closely tied to water quality and safe crossing opportunities at roads. While population recovery is a conservation success, road mortality of individual otters causes acute welfare harm - animals struck by vehicles may suffer for extended periods before death. Otter ledges and bridges at road crossings are cost-effective welfare interventions that highways agencies can implement. Water quality management that maintains fish populations ensures otters can meet their energetic needs. River restoration that increases habitat complexity benefits otter welfare through greater prey availability and denning opportunities.