Wildlife

Wild Otter Population Recovery and Road Casualties

Eurasian otter populations have recovered significantly in the UK, but road mortality remains a major mortality factor limiting further growth.

Key Facts

Otters were near extinction in England in the 1970s due to pesticide contamination
Population recovery followed banning of organochlorine pesticides
Road mortality is now the leading recorded cause of otter death
Otters follow rivers and cross roads at bridges where safe passage is absent
Otter ledges fitted to bridges allow safe passage beneath roads

Welfare Considerations

Road casualties cause acute traumatic death or injury to otters crossing to reach water. The welfare and conservation benefits of retrofitting existing bridges with otter ledges are well established and cost-effective relative to their benefit.

What You Can Do

Support organisations installing otter ledges on roads
Report road casualties to wildlife trusts or the Otter Project
Advocate for wildlife-safe infrastructure in road schemes near rivers