Wildlife Conservation

Wild Hedgehog Decline: Road Mortality

Road deaths are a major driver of hedgehog population decline in the UK. Up to 150,000 hedgehogs may be killed on roads annually, representing a significant welfare and conservation concern.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs rolled into balls are uniquely vulnerable to vehicle strikes
Road kills account for an estimated 20-30% of annual hedgehog mortality
Busy roads act as barriers to hedgehog movement and genetic exchange
Road-crossing attempts increase during the breeding season in spring and summer
Wildlife-friendly culverts and underpasses can allow safe road crossing

Welfare Considerations

Road mortality causes acute traumatic death and injury for individual hedgehogs and depletes local populations. Infrastructure changes and driver awareness offer practical mitigation pathways.

What You Can Do

Drive carefully at night particularly in spring and summer
Campaign for hedgehog-friendly culverts and reduced speed limits in rural areas
Report hedgehog road casualties to local wildlife organisations