Hedgehogs aren’t exactly the first creatures that spring to mind when the term endangered species is spoken aloud, but conservation groups across Europe and the United Kingdom report a troubling trend. Over the last decade, about a quarter of the hedgehog population has vanished in many areas, driven by a mix of urban expansion, roads that cut through their nocturnal routes, and careless disposal of chemicals that poison the very insects and other invertebrates hedgehogs rely on for food. Gardens that once offered safe hideaways and overnights are increasingly fenced off or paved over, choking off the hedgehogs’ usual travel lanes. They depend on a mosaic of hedges, brush piles, compost heaps, and quiet corners to move, hunt, and nest. When those corridors shrink, hedgehogs struggle to cross yards, locate meals, or find mates. The consequence is more isolated populations and slower recovery. Because hedgehogs have limited ability to cover long distances, maintaining connected habitats is essential to their survival. This is why many wildlife groups are urging homeowners and policymakers to protect and reconnect hedgehog spaces, so small local changes can yield meaningful gains for the species.
British policymakers and wildlife advocates are increasingly talking about giving hedgehogs protected status under wildlife legislation. If such protection is enacted, harming hedgehogs would become illegal and communities would be encouraged to cultivate hedgehog-friendly landscapes. Practical steps include preserving hedgerows, creating safe passages through fences often called hedgehog highways, and leaving wild corners in gardens for foraging. Reducing pesticide use helps safeguard the invertebrate prey that hedgehogs depend on. Hedgehogs contribute real ecological value by keeping pest populations in check, including slugs, snails, beetles, and other garden pests, which in turn supports healthier plants and biodiversity in both urban and rural settings. By recognizing hedgehogs as valuable urban wildlife, local authorities and residents can help sustain balanced ecosystems in neighborhoods across the country.
There is genuine optimism that protection could move forward, reflecting a broader understanding of hedgehogs as a vital part of urban biodiversity. Their presence signals healthy green spaces, and many communities are eager to see action that supports safe, connected habitat networks. People are encouraged to participate in this effort by supporting local hedgehog-friendly initiatives, sharing information about safe gardening practices, and advocating for policies that reduce threats to these small, spiky mammals. The goal is a world where hedgehogs can continue to roam, forage, and reproduce with less risk from human activity while neighbors enjoy the often unseen benefits they provide to ecosystems.
Six Things You Might Not Know About Hedgehogs:
- Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets and are born blind with soft spines that harden within hours. The mother provides warmth and milk, guiding the youngsters to safe places, and over the next few weeks the hoglets begin to explore, learn to forage, and grow into independent young hedgehogs as the season progresses.
- There are no hedgehogs living in the wild in Canada, Australia or America. Hedgehogs are native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, where they occupy hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens. In other regions they may appear as pets or in zoos, but their natural distribution lies outside the Western Hemisphere.
- The name hedgehog comes from Middle English roots. The word heyg referred to a hedge, reflecting their bristly coats that resemble hedges, while hog pointed to a pig-like snout. The term dates back to the 15th century and captures a long-standing cultural association with this distinctive mammal.
- Their diet is varied. Hedgehogs primarily eat insects, worms, snails, slugs, beetles, and caterpillars, but they will also sample small vertebrates and occasionally fruit or berries. Diets shift with the seasons and the availability of prey, especially in urban gardens where diverse invertebrates can be found under logs, leaf litter, and compost piles.
- In the United Kingdom, hedgehogs are protected, and owning one as a pet is illegal in many cases. Similar restrictions exist in some Canadian municipalities and several U.S. states where private ownership is limited or banned. Protecting hedgehogs through law helps reduce harm from traffic, pest control practices, and the pet trade, while promoting wildlife-friendly garden practices that benefit a wide range of species.
- Hedgehogs enjoy exploring and can get their heads stuck in tight spaces. To keep them safe, owners provide enrichment that includes appropriately designed tubes and hiding places, and they monitor play to prevent injuries. This gentle reminder underscores the importance of safe habitats and thoughtful enrichment when interacting with these curious visitors in backyards and homes.