Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Urban Population Welfare

Urban hedgehog populations face specific welfare challenges including road traffic, garden hazards, and suburban fragmentation that require targeted management.

Key Facts

Urban hedgehog populations are declining less rapidly than rural populations
Garden walls and fences prevent movement between suburban gardens creating isolated populations
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde cause fatal poisoning in hedgehogs
Swimming pool and garden pond drowning is a significant hedgehog mortality cause
Bonfire and compost heap disturbance kills hedgehogs seeking shelter

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehog welfare depends on connected habitats, removal of physical hazards, and elimination of poisoning risks. Simple actions by individual householders collectively provide significant welfare benefits to urban hedgehog populations.

What You Can Do

Create a 13 cm gap in garden boundaries to allow hedgehog movement
Switch to ferric phosphate slug pellets rather than metaldehyde
Install a ramp in any ponds or pools to allow hedgehog escape
Check bonfires and compost heaps before disturbance