Protecting a beloved but declining species from human-caused harm
European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) have declined by approximately 50% in the UK over the past 25 years — from approximately 30 million to 1 million animals. This decline has significant welfare implications at the individual and population level: habitat fragmentation means individual hedgehogs must travel further for food, facing more road crossings; garden hazards cause significant suffering; and hedgehog rehabilitation centers treat thousands of injured animals annually.
Strimmers and lawnmowers: Hedgehogs shelter in long grass; summer garden maintenance causes severe leg, face, and body injuries. Check before strimming and mowing.
Ponds and swimming pools: Hedgehogs cannot climb out of sheer-sided pools; drowning is common. Simple ramps enable escape.
Garden netting: Loose netting entraps legs, causing strangulation and traumatic injury. Raise netting off ground when not in use.
Slug pellets: Metaldehyde slug pellets cause painful death in hedgehogs that consume dying slugs. Ferric phosphate alternatives are hedgehog-safe.
Bonfire hazards: Hedgehogs shelter in bonfire materials; checking and moving bonfires before lighting prevents painful deaths by burning.
African pygmy hedgehogs are kept as exotic pets in significant numbers. Key welfare requirements: large cage (minimum 120cm x 60cm), wheel for exercise (minimum 30cm diameter — smaller wheels cause spinal injury), varied diet, temperatures above 20°C (below which they attempt hibernation and can die), and social considerations (solitary in wild but some individuals tolerate companions). Obesity is the most common welfare problem in captive hedgehogs from inadequate exercise.