Companion Animals

Hedgehog Welfare in the Wild and Captivity

Wild hedgehog populations are declining across much of their range, while captive hedgehogs face welfare challenges as exotic pets kept outside their natural behavioral context.

Key Facts

European hedgehog populations have declined by up to 50% since the 1950s
Hedgehogs travel up to 2-3 kilometers per night in search of food and mates
African pygmy hedgehogs are popular pets but are nocturnal and highly active
Pet hedgehogs often develop obesity, dental disease, and wobbly hedgehog syndrome
In the UK, it is illegal to disturb a hedgehog during hibernation

Welfare Considerations

Captive hedgehogs frequently suffer from inadequate exercise opportunities, inappropriate diets, and insufficient mental stimulation. The animals are solitary in the wild and stressed by excessive handling. Wheels are essential for captive hedgehogs but must be solid-surface to prevent injury. Wild hedgehog declines are driven by habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and road casualties.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog highways in your garden fence to allow safe movement
Reduce pesticide use to protect hedgehog prey and the animals themselves
Check before mowing or strimming vegetation where hedgehogs shelter
If keeping a pet hedgehog, provide a minimum 4-square-foot enclosure with a solid wheel
Support hedgehog rescue centers and monitoring programs in Europe