Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Road Safety Welfare

Road mortality kills over a million hedgehogs annually in the UK. Understanding high-risk periods and locations enables targeted mitigation.

Key Facts

Road deaths account for up to 335,000 hedgehog deaths annually in the UK
Most deaths occur from April to October when hedgehogs are active
Low-volume rural roads carry disproportionate hedgehog mortality
Speed limit reductions near wildlife crossing areas reduce deaths
Wildlife-friendly road design can prevent mortality at known crossing points

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs hit by vehicles suffer acute trauma - many are not killed instantly but die from injuries over hours. The seasonal pattern of mortality - peaking during breeding and autumn foraging activity - offers opportunities for targeted driver awareness campaigns at known crossing sites. Simple road sign interventions near wildlife crossing areas save lives.

What You Can Do

Drive carefully on rural roads at night April-October
Support hedgehog road casualty reporting programs
Advocate for wildlife-sensitive road design near hedgehog habitats
Support campaigns for hedgehog crossing sign installation