Concern over rise in otter deaths on rural roads

A wildlife charity says it has seen an increase in otters being killed on the roads due to flooding affecting their habitats.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue, based near Highbridge in Somerset, said a number of otters had been injured and admitted to its centre over the winter.

Katie Gibbs, wildlife care supervisor at the charity said while it was "not rare", the number of otters injured or deceased was "a concern".

"The real issue for otters is flooding at the moment. The animals are being pushed out of their holts," she said.

The Somerset Otter Group said there were a number of particular problem spots on the county's roads.

Gibbs said part of the problem was the number of roads being built.

"Somerset is great in terms of wetlands with rhynes, rivers and lakes, and the otters are really are thriving here.

"They have massive territories but we've got more and more roads being built, which is affecting them."

Jo Pearse, from the Somerset Otters Group agreed and said the winter "was a terrible time for otters".

"The rain swells the rivers and makes strong currents, forcing the otter sometimes onto the road.

"Dusk, when otters are active, coincides with rush hour, so we have more road deaths and of course this year is particularly bad, due to the high rainfall, effectively culling a significant percentage of Somerset's population."

On what could make it safer for otters, Gibbs said more road signs near to their habitats may help, as well as more awareness.

Gibbs said anyone who spots a dead otter on the road can report it to the otter group or alert the Secret World charity directly.

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