Hedgehog Road Mortality and Mitigation

Road traffic kills an estimated 100,000-335,000 hedgehogs annually in the UK alone, contributing significantly to the steep population decline of this beloved mammal.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by about 50% since the year 2000
Road deaths are estimated to be among the top mortality causes for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs range up to 2 km per night, crossing roads frequently
Wildlife-friendly drainage tunnels and culverts can reduce road mortality significantly

Welfare Considerations

Road mortality represents significant welfare suffering in addition to population-level impact. Hedgehogs struck by vehicles suffer traumatic injury and die distressed deaths. Even near-miss encounters cause fear and injury. Road mitigation measures including wildlife crossing structures, hedgehog-sized gaps in road barriers, and habitat management to funnel hedgehogs toward safe crossing points can dramatically reduce mortality rates. Connectivity of garden populations also depends on hedgehog-friendly fencing.

What You Can Do

Check for injured hedgehogs on roads and contact a wildlife rehabilitator
Create gaps in fencing to allow hedgehog movement between gardens
Advocate for wildlife crossing infrastructure in road development projects
Drive carefully at night particularly in hedgerow-rich countryside in spring and autumn