Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Road Mortality Crossing Structures

Road mortality is a significant and growing cause of hedgehog death. Targeted interventions including crossing structures and wildlife passages can save lives.

Key Facts

An estimated 100,000-300,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads annually
Roads act as barriers fragmenting hedgehog populations
Wildlife-friendly road underpasses have been successfully used for hedgehogs
Reflecting posts and road surface treatments have reduced hedgehog road deaths in trials
Habitat connectivity improvement is the primary long-term solution

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs struck by vehicles suffer acute injuries and death. Those that survive initial impact often die from injuries without access to rehabilitation. Road mortality is a major contributor to the hedgehog's population decline. Targeted interventions at known road mortality hotspots represent high-impact welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support Hedgehog Street and People's Trust for Endangered Species research
Advocate for wildlife crossing structures in new road developments near known hedgehog habitat
Drive slowly at dusk in rural and suburban areas when hedgehogs are most active