Hedgehog Road Safety: Reducing Traffic Mortality

Road traffic is the most significant single cause of hedgehog mortality in the UK, killing an estimated 100,000 animals annually. Targeted interventions can reduce this welfare impact.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs are most active at dusk and through the night when traffic volumes are lower but speeds may be higher
Young hedgehogs dispersing in autumn are at particularly high road mortality risk
Hedgehog population decline correlates geographically with road network density
Hedgehog tunnels and underpasses have been tested as mitigation measures at specific hotspots

Welfare Considerations

Road traffic casualties cause traumatic injury with significant suffering — many hedgehogs are not killed immediately but die slowly from internal injuries. Wildlife rescue organisations receive thousands of road traffic hedgehogs annually, with rehabilitation success variable depending on injury severity. Prevention through habitat connectivity away from roads is more welfare-positive than rescue. Drivers who observe hedgehogs on roads can help by slowing down and allowing the animal to cross, but should not handle hedgehogs unnecessarily.

What You Can Do

Slow down when driving on rural lanes at night during spring through autumn when hedgehogs are active
Report road casualty hedgehogs to local wildlife rescue groups who can assess welfare and treat injuries
Support hedgehog-friendly verge management that creates corridors away from roads
Advocate for wildlife-friendly road design including underpasses at documented hedgehog crossing hotspots