Hedgehog populations in Sweden face rising threats

During the annual Hedgehog Week, a joint initiative by WWF and Nordens Ark, the public reported 50,774 sightings of living and dead hedgehogs. Organizers noted a significant increase in reports of hedgehogs being killed by vehicles.

Wildlife rehabilitators, such as the Säffle wildlife rehab in Värmland, are facing high demand due to injuries caused by traffic, robot lawnmowers, and fly larvae. In one instance, several hedgehog young were brought to rehabilitation, but some had to be euthanized due to severe tissue damage caused by larvae.

The hedgehog population is considered vulnerable, with estimates suggesting the population has halved over the last 15 years. Starting this autumn, the hedgehog will be a protected species for the first time.