Road traffic mortality is one of the most significant causes of hedgehog death in the UK. An estimated 100,000-340,000 hedgehogs may be killed on UK roads annually. Given that the UK hedgehog population has declined by over 50% since 2000, road mortality represents a conservation-scale welfare problem.
Hedgehogs' defensive response to threat — curling into a ball — evolved for predators, not vehicles. When a hedgehog on a road encounters approaching headlights, it often freezes or curls rather than fleeing. Hedgehogs also travel significant distances at night (1-2km or more), frequently crossing roads. Their cryptic colouration makes them very difficult for drivers to see.
Hedgehog road mortality occurs on all road types but is disproportionately high on A-roads and B-roads that cut through or adjacent to good hedgehog habitat. Roads crossing wooded corridors, hedgerow networks, and garden-rich suburbs are highest risk. Studies using roadkill survey data (Project Splatter, PTES Road Count) have mapped mortality hotspots that inform mitigation priorities.
The PTES Living with Mammals hedgehog count and Project Splatter roadkill recording scheme provide valuable population and mortality data. Road surveys by trained volunteers help identify mortality hotspots and evaluate mitigation effectiveness. This citizen science data is essential for evidence-based conservation planning.