An otter was discovered dead close to the River Og in Marlborough last night.
The animal was collected from Poulton Hill by the Action for the River Kennet (ARK) charity this morning so it could be sent to Cardiff University – where it will be tested.
The university runs a long-term environmental surveillance scheme, using otters found dead to investigate contaminants, disease, and population biology across the UK.
A spokesperson for the ARK said: “Thanks to a member of the public who last night promptly reported this to us, we have now removed the otter, which will go to Cardiff University Otter Project.
“The otter was discovered in the road at on Poulton Hill.
“Road traffic accidents are the main cause of otter deaths (excluding natural causes) and research has shown a seasonal trend, with more deaths occurring in the winter months.”
