Hedgehogs are frequently killed and injured on roads, and interventions that help injured hedgehogs receive prompt care or prevent road casualties in the first place can significantly improve welfare outcomes.
Hedgehogs struck by vehicles often survive the initial impact but suffer severe internal injuries including ruptured organs, fractured limbs, and spinal damage. The curl-up defensive response that protects against predators provides no protection against vehicle impact. Found injured hedgehogs should be handled with gloves, placed in a box with ventilation holes, and taken to a wildlife hospital or veterinary practice as soon as possible. Not all hedgehogs found by roads are injured - some are simply stunned or lost - but prompt assessment is essential since internal injuries that are not immediately apparent may be fatal without treatment.