Wildlife

Hedgehog Road Mortality and Garden Welfare Interventions

Hedgehogs are one of Britains most beloved wild mammals but have declined by over 30% since 2000. Road mortality and garden fragmentation are among the leading causes.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs roam up to 2km per night in search of food and mates
An estimated 100,000 hedgehogs are killed on UK roads each year
They require connected garden networks to sustain viable populations
Hedgehogs eat slugs, beetles, earthworms, and other invertebrates

Welfare Considerations

Animals struck by vehicles often suffer traumatic injuries including broken limbs, head trauma, and internal bleeding. Many survive the initial impact but die slowly from dehydration and shock if not found promptly. Garden hazards including strimmers, bonfires, and ponds are additional mortality sources causing severe welfare impacts on a declining population.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13cm x 13cm hole in garden fences to allow hedgehog passage between gardens
Check bonfires before lighting and use a torch when strimming near long grass
Place ramps in garden ponds to allow hedgehogs to escape if they fall in
Report injured hedgehogs to local wildlife rescue centres immediately