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Report Otter Road Casualties

Date: 26.10.2012

Type: Biodiversity

Otters are one of the most charismatic species in the Welsh countryside. To catch a glimpse of this secretive mammal is a real treat. But sadly you are more likely to see one dead on the roads than on a river.

Over the past few years the number of otters has increased dramatically. Now there are breeding otters in almost every river catchment in Wales – returning to fill territories that were empty for many years. Otter populations declined in the latter half of the 20th century for a number of reasons, including destruction and degradation of their riverside habitat and poisoning by agricultural pesticides.

Along with this increase in otters has come another problem: increased deaths of otters in traffic collisions as otters spread out and encounter more roads. This is especially a problem in winter when river levels are high and otters prefer to walk rather than swim in fast-flowing water.

If you see a dead otter on the roads, please report it to the Environment Agency on 03708 506506. Valuable information can be gained from the location of otter casualties, such as identifying ‘black spots’ where mitigation work needs to be done. Corpses are collected and sent to Cardiff University Otter Project where post mortem examinations reveal vast amounts of information. 

According to Lizzy Webster, Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, “If you see a dead otter it’s really important that you report it to the Environment Agency. Out of the unfortunate death of an otter, valuable information can be gained which contributes to the conservation of this species around Wales”.

For more information visit www.otterproject.cf.ac.uk.

Otter postcard

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