The otters have been killed on the region's roads

The Wildlife Trust claim there used to be about six animals living along the River Alyn.

However, there have been reports of at least three being killed as they tried to cross a busy road at Loggerheads Country Park in Mold.

Dyfrig Jones, otter and rivers officer for Wales, said the situation was cause for concern.

"Last year we lost around 50 otters in Wales and I know for sure we've lost two if not three in the last 18 months or so at Loggerheads," he said.

Killed

"If you look at the Alyn river there may only be three or four otters, six at the most, so in proportion to those figures the deaths are quite significant."

The otters are being killed by motorists travelling along Ruthin Road.

The animals are crossing the busy carriageway to get from one side of the river to the other.

The water runs straight underneath but otters will not swim across heavy currents.

Mr Jones said at least one of the otters killed was a bitch, which had devastating consequences.

Otters eat eels, frogs and toads

"If you lose a bitch then you're losing a possible breed population of two or three years.

"You'll have to wait for the cubs to grow older to mate again."

Environmentalists would tackle the issue, he added.

"During high rainfall Loggerheads' river comes up quite a lot and floods regularly.

"Otters won't swim across heavy currents. They are good swimmers but they won't go into fast flowing water.

Protected

"They'll jump out and cross the road instead."

Mr Jones said there were plans to build a ledge underneath the bridge with fencing so the otters can cross safely.

There are up to 3,500 otters throughout Wales.

The solitary animals are protected species and can be found in the majority of watercourses throughout the country.

Cubs will stay with their mother for the first 12 months but will eventually be forced away.

The Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trust have joined forces to protect the creatures.

They have formed a steering group to address the issues surrounding the animal's habitat.