Road warnings could help save the hedgehog

HEDGEHOGS could soon be helped in the battle for survival by road signs warning drivers of their presence.

The Government has promised to tackle their declining numbers, which have dropped from 30million to a million since the 1950s.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is now considering placing signs along stretches of road with high animal casualties, encouraging motorists to watch out for them.

He said: ‘The hedgehog may be a prickly character, but they are close to our hearts. I have asked if road signs can be designed to make drivers aware when wildlife is present, to protect species like this.’

Charities say that hedgehogs are in particular danger on the roads as they lack a ‘flight instinct’ – and instead simply curl into a ball when facing danger.

A British Hedgehog Preservation Society spokesman said: ‘Even if only one or two people slow down, that could make a big difference.’