Plastic Entanglement Poses a Potential Hazard to European Hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in Great Britain

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Plastic entanglement is well known for causing both conservation and welfare issues for marine mammals, but little is known about the impacts on terrestrial species. Following anecdotal reports in the media, we assessed the prevalence and consequences of plastic entanglement for the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Great Britain. Based on data provided by rescue centres and population modelling, we estimate that 4000–7000 hedgehog deaths occur annually occur as a consequence of plastic entanglement, representing a significant welfare issue and placing additional pressure on a declining species. ABSTRACT: A questionnaire to gather evidence on the plastic entanglement of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was sent to 160 wildlife rehabilitation centres in Great Britain. Fifty-four responses were received, and 184 individual admissions owing to plastic entanglement were reported. Death was the outcome for 46% (n = 86) of these cases. A high proportion of Britain’s hedgehogs enter rehabilitation centres annually (approximately 5% of the national population and potentially 10% of the urban population), providing a robust basis for assessing the minimum impacts at a national level. We estimate that 4000–7000 hedgehog deaths per year are attributable to plastic, with the true rate likely being higher, since many entangled hedgehogs—in contrast to those involved in road traffic accidents—will not be found. Population modelling indicates that this excess mortality is sufficient to cause population declines. Although the scale of the impact is much lower than that attributable to traffic, it is nevertheless an additional pressure on a species that is already in decline and presents a significant welfare issue to a large number of individuals.