Don’t squash the hedgehogs

An NGO is encouraging motorists to be cautious after receiving a large number of reports that hedgehogs had been squashed by cars.

Nature Trust Malta is embarking on a campaign to raise awareness about hedgehogs, similar to the one it ran in the early 1980s.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that usually have their young between May and October and who freeze when they see bright lights, such as vehicle headlights. Nature Trust asked drivers to be on the lookout for them in areas such as Buskett, Żurrieq, Pembroke and Mosta, where they are common.

The NGO also urged local councils in such areas to follow the example of Pembroke council and put up road signs to warn drivers about the presence of hedgehogs.

The hedgehog is a protected species in Malta.