Scientists Find Surprising Way To Protect Hedgehogs From Roads

Auditory brainstem responses were measured in 20 rehabilitated hedgehogs from Danish wildlife rescue centers.

Brainstem responses occurred to sounds between 4 and 85 kHz, with strongest sensitivity around 40 kHz.

Hedgehogs can detect ultrasonic (high‑frequency) sounds.

Research was led by Oxford researchers working with Danish colleagues; the findings were published in Biology Letters.

Authors suggest ultrasonic devices might be used as repellents to keep hedgehogs from roads; vehicle collisions may kill up to one in three individuals in some local populations, and IUCN listed the species as near threatened in 2024.