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Discovery of Otter No 4,888 on AngleseyIn November 2024, a young female otter was found at the side of a road near the River Cefni on Anglesey. The collector froze the carcass and, following standard UK practice, sent it to Cardiff University’s Otter Project for a postmortem.Laboratory Dissection Reveals Internal TraumaDuring the dissection, researchers noted a mark on the hind left leg and nasal bleeding, but the body was otherwise intact. Opening the chest exposed a pool of dark blood and a catastrophic internal injury, as well as a pancreatic mass that may be cancerous. The otter also retained a distinct sea‑brine scent.Statistical Context: Roadkill Otters in the UKApproximately 200 otters are dissected annually by the Otter Project.The vast majority of these specimens are roadkill.Otter No 4,888 adds to a growing dataset used to monitor health trends in the species.Implications for Otter Conservation and Habitat ManagementThe findings highlight two key pressures on otters: vehicle collisions and potential disease (e.g., pancreatic tumours). Field observations at Cors Caron and artificial holts built under the National Peatland Action Programme show that suitable habitat still exists, but connectivity and safe crossing points remain critical.Future Outlook: Monitoring and Protecting Wales’ Otter PopulationsContinued postmortem analysis will inform conservation strategies, while habitat restoration projects aim to reduce road mortality. The ongoing collaboration between field teams and the Otter Project is essential for tracking health indicators and guiding policy.