Wildlife

Hedgehog Welfare in the UK: Decline, Rescue and Recovery

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000. Understanding the welfare implications of their decline and the challenges facing rescued hedgehogs is essential.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers fell from 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today
Road casualties, garden hazards, and habitat loss drive mortality
Juvenile hedgehogs found underweight in autumn are unlikely to survive hibernation
Around 80,000 hedgehogs are treated by UK wildlife rescues annually
Bonfire season causes significant burns and injuries to sheltering hedgehogs
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are acutely toxic to hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog suffering is widespread and largely preventable. Road kills, entanglement in garden netting, and pesticide poisoning cause acute suffering. Rescued hedgehogs require specialist care including warmth, appropriate nutrition, and parasite treatment. Poorly managed rescues with inadequate nutrition or premature release increase mortality rather than reducing it.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog highways in garden fencing to reduce road crossing
Avoid using pesticide slug pellets in your garden
Support your local hedgehog rescue with donations or food supplies