UK otter populations have recovered dramatically following legal protection and reduced pollution. Ongoing welfare threats include road mortality and persecution.
Otter recovery represents one of the UK conservation success stories, but ongoing welfare threats require continued attention. Road mortality causes acute trauma and death for hundreds of otters annually. Creating wildlife-friendly road infrastructure including underpasses in key otter crossing locations is one of the most effective welfare interventions available. Fish population management and water quality protection also maintain the prey base that otter welfare depends on.