Otters have recovered strongly in UK rivers following pesticide bans and habitat improvement. Understanding the welfare challenges they still face supports ongoing conservation.
Otter welfare is primarily threatened by road mortality and habitat disturbance. Otters struck by vehicles frequently sustain severe orthopaedic injuries requiring specialist rehabilitation. Disturbance of holts during breeding season causes cub abandonment and mother stress. Habitat improvement through otter ledges under bridges and bank stabilisation reduces road crossing frequency and mortality.