First Otter sign for Co Kildare

The Maynooth Area Office have erected otter signs along the Kilcock to Maynooth Road to warn passing motorist that they may encounter an otter moving between the Rye River and the Royal Canal as they forage for food. The signs were put up following requests from the public and under advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

There has been a large number of mortalities on this stretch of road in recent years. These protected species, while shy, are often on the move at dusk and dawn and may not be seen by passing cars. Estimated at about 12,000 otters, the current Irish population is declining. Otters are protected by Irish (Wildlife Acts 1976, 2000), and European law (EU Habitats Directive.