Wildlife

Urban Hedgehog Road Mortality and Crossing Structures

Roads are a leading cause of hedgehog death in urban areas, but targeted interventions can significantly reduce mortality.

Key Facts

An estimated 100,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads annually
Peak mortality occurs at dawn and dusk when hedgehogs are most active
Road crossings are more effective where hedgehog runs are identified first
Small mammal underpasses (15cm diameter) allow hedgehogs to pass safely
GPS tracking studies help identify key crossing points for targeted intervention

Welfare Considerations

Road strikes cause severe trauma and frequently result in prolonged suffering before death. Hedgehogs injured but surviving strikes often have limb fractures requiring amputation or euthanasia. Prevention through crossing structures and speed reduction is far more effective than rescue.

What You Can Do

Install hedgehog-sized holes (13x13cm) in garden fences to create wildlife corridors
Report hedgehog sightings to local recording groups to identify crossing hotspots
Campaign for speed reductions in hedgehog-rich suburban areas
Support wildlife crossing installation on roads adjacent to hedgehog habitat