As twilight slowly falls in the garden, the hedgehog’s day begins. It leaves its hiding place under hedges, shrubs, or dense vegetation and sets out in search of beetles, worms, and other small animals. At the same time, robotic lawn mowers are making their rounds in many gardens. This can be dangerous for hedgehogs—and in the worst case, even fatal.
Robotic lawn mowers don’t always recognize hedgehogs as obstacles
Unlike many other animals, hedgehogs do not flee when danger approaches. Instead, they curl up into a ball in the hope of finding protection. As a result, a robotic lawn mower does not always recognize a hedgehog as an obstacle and may run over the animal. The sharp blades can cause severe cuts, which are often fatal for the animals.
Young hedgehogs are particularly at risk in late summer and fall. During this time, they are more actively foraging to build up the necessary fat reserves for winter. A safe garden can therefore be a matter of life and death for them.
The European hedgehog is on the early warning list of the National Red List
The best protection is simple: robotic lawn mowers should be programmed to mow only during daylight hours—that is, after sunrise and before sunset. During this time, hedgehogs usually retreat to their hiding places.
The European hedgehog needs our help. Its population has been declining for years, and it is now on the Early Warning List of the National Red List of Threatened Species. With a small change in your own yard, everyone can help protect these animals: By turning off your robotic lawn mower at night and during twilight, you create a safe path for hedgehogs on their nightly foraging trips—and can help save hedgehog lives.
