Wildlife

Wild Otter: Road Casualty Hotspots

Road casualties are one of the leading causes of otter mortality in the UK, with preventable deaths concentrated at predictable crossing points.

Key Facts

Otters are killed on roads most commonly where culverts force them onto road surfaces
Analysis of casualty sites shows 80% occur at fewer than 20% of crossing points
Otter ledges installed inside culverts encourage animals to stay below road level
Wildlife crossing audits identify and prioritise the highest-risk sites
Otters are protected under UK law and road deaths must be reported

Welfare Considerations

Road strikes cause traumatic death or severe injury. Animals that survive initial impacts may suffer for extended periods before dying or being found. Targeted infrastructure interventions at high-casualty sites - particularly otter ledges and underpasses - are highly cost-effective welfare and conservation measures that prevent repeated mortality at the same locations.

What You Can Do

Report otter casualties to the Environment Agency and local wildlife trusts
Support campaigns for wildlife crossing audits on road network upgrades
Advocate for otter ledge installation when roads near waterways are repaired
Reduce vehicle speed near rivers at dawn and dusk when otters are most active
Donate to wildlife trusts running otter monitoring and road casualty prevention programmes