Hedgehog Welfare: Garden Champions Facing Modern Threats

Hedgehog populations are declining rapidly across their range. Supporting their welfare and conservation requires understanding the threats they face.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by approximately 50% since 2000, with acceleration in recent years
Road mortality, garden hazards, and habitat loss are primary drivers of hedgehog population decline
An estimated 100,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads annually
Hedgehogs travel up to 2 kilometres per night during the active season; garden fences fragment their habitat
They are hosts to numerous external parasites including ticks and mites that do not normally pose human health risks
Hibernation success depends on accumulating sufficient fat reserves; mild autumns from climate change disrupt this

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare encompasses both individual animal welfare and population-level conservation. Individuals face specific welfare risks from garden hazards including strimmers, bonfires, and slug pellets containing metaldehyde. Road mortality is a common source of acute traumatic injury and death. Entrapped hedgehogs in drains, netting, and garden features experience prolonged suffering before rescue or death. At the population level, habitat fragmentation through fencing prevents the ranging behaviour essential for finding mates, food, and hibernation sites. Simple garden modifications can address multiple welfare threats simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Cut small gaps in garden fences to create hedgehog highways connecting habitat across multiple gardens
Check bonfires before lighting for sheltering hedgehogs, particularly in autumn
Avoid slug pellets containing metaldehyde or metiocarb that poison hedgehogs consuming affected slugs
Check long grass before strimming during the active season when hedgehogs may be sheltering
Support hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation centres and report injured hedgehogs to local wildlife rescues