Road deaths of Devon otters reach record highs

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The UK Wild Otter Trust has warned that more otters were killed on Devon roads this year than in any other year since the charity was founded in 1998.

Now, the charity plans to place six 'Caution Otter Crossing' signs along the A361 in the hopes of raising awareness with local drivers.

Deer, badgers, hedgehogs, and foxes are amongst the other animals at risk in Devon, as drivers are being urged to take care on the roads.

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Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust explained how the charity comes to look after upwards of 30 otter cubs every year, many of which have been orphaned due to traffic: “Roads have historically been built through otter and other wildlife habitats. Otters have very large territories of up to 30km, which often forces them to cross roads, endangering their lives. When a female is hit, she may be leaving behind cubs that depend on her for survival, and without her will undoubtedly die too.”

Otters - Credit Graham William Hughes
Otters - Credit Graham William Hughes

An average four otters a year are killed by cars on the A361 at Heanton Court, often leaving behind orphaned baby otters in need of urgent medical care to survive into adulthood.

The charity is now looking to the public to help them raise the funds to install the signs: “Unfortunately, the local council won't fund the signs so we are asking the generous local public to donate funds so we can buy the materials. The signs will be installed by our amazing team of volunteers, who work selflessly to save otters who without our intervention, wouldn’t make it.”

You can find out more about the vital work done by the charity on their website or social media pages. Please go to their GoFundMe page to donate or text “OTTERSIGNFIVE” to 70450 to donate £5, "OTTERSIGNTEN" to donate £10 or "OTTERSIGNTWENTY" to donate £20. https://gofund.me/c4c3a66c