Wildlife

Hedgehog Welfare and Road Mortality

Road vehicle collisions are estimated to kill 100,000-335,000 hedgehogs per year in the UK, making roads one of the leading causes of hedgehog mortality.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population has declined by over 50% since 2000
Hedgehogs can travel 2km per night while foraging
They are most active at dusk and through the night
Hedgehog mortality peaks in May-June and autumn
Rural hedgehogs have declined faster than urban populations recently

Welfare Considerations

A hedgehog struck by a vehicle typically sustains crush injuries to limbs, spine or skull. Many animals die slowly from their injuries rather than instantly. Speed reduction in known hedgehog habitats, wildlife-friendly road design and citizen science monitoring can together reduce mortality rates meaningfully.

What You Can Do

Drive slowly at dusk in rural lanes and near hedgerows
Create hedgehog highways (13cm holes) between garden fences
Provide food and fresh water for garden hedgehogs
Check bonfires before lighting in autumn
Report hedgehog sightings to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society