Nature Trust welcomes Pembroke's hedgehog initiative

An initiative by the Pembroke council to set up road sign warning motorists of crossing hedgehogs has been welcomed by Nature Trust.

"Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that roam at night in search for food. Since roads are often close to their habitat areas such as is the case in Pembroke, it is frequent that they wonder on to these roads. Today one still finds irresponsible motorists who seem to enjoy driving over such creatures while out at night," it said.

Nature Trust (Malta) urged other councils to follow the example Pembroke's example and safeguard the natural heritage found in their locality.

The organisation said it was now working to collect funds to set up Malta’s first wildlife clinic where injured hedgehogs could also be rehabilitated. It appealed to motorists to drive carefully at night when in areas where hedgehogs might be present. At this time of the year, it said, it was ialso common to see adult hedgehogs walking around followed by their young ones.

Hedgehogs are legally protected in Malta.