Wildlife

Wild Otter Recovery and Welfare in British Rivers

Otter populations have recovered strongly since the 1970s following pesticide bans. Ongoing welfare threats include road mortality, entanglement in fish traps, and waterway pollution.

Key Facts

Otter populations crashed by 95% in the 1960s due to organochlorine pesticides
Recovery is one of the UK's most successful wildlife conservation stories
Road mortality is now the leading cause of otter death in England
Eel traps and fyke nets must have otter guards to prevent drowning

Welfare Considerations

Otters can drown in unguarded fish traps within minutes. Mandatory otter guards on all fyke nets and hoop nets are legally required in England and Wales and represent a key welfare protection.

What You Can Do

Report otter road casualties to the Environment Agency
Ensure any fishing traps are fitted with legal otter guards
Support river bank restoration projects that reduce flood barriers