Road Signs Installed in North Devon to Protect Otters

Road signs have been erected in north Devon, advising drivers to reduce speed due to the presence of otters. According to The UK Wild Otter Trust, “countless” otters suffer fatal or severe injuries on roads across the country annually. The charity, which operates from north Devon, has funded road signs through its “Slow Down for Otters” campaign. To date, two signs have been installed on the A361, spanning from Barnstaple to Braunton, an area that charity founder Dave Webb described as “an accident blackspot for otters”. The organization intends to place additional signs as further funding becomes available. The trust reported that “at least 15 to 17 otters have been killed” on the A361 in recent years. Mr. Webb commented that the signs “were quite unusual… so hopefully they do a bit of good,” noting that £1,500 was collected within 22 hours to cover their cost. Mr. Webb also stated that the trust has observed “an increase in smaller cubs, due to mothers being killed on roads.” He mentioned that 33 otters from various parts of the UK have been brought to the trust thus far in 2024. Mr. Webb further explained that these otters would stay at the facility for approximately one year, given the extensive care required prior to their release.