Caution when mowing
Robot mowers, trimmers and scythes endanger hedgehogs
The hedgehog, which is threatened with extinction, is finding it increasingly difficult to find enough food. Its habitat is shrinking drastically due to the increasing sealing of surfaces and the ongoing extinction of insects. But robotic mowers also pose a considerable threat to the prickly animal.
These devices are increasingly being used in gardens to keep the lawn short and save us the hassle of mowing. However, they show no consideration for living creatures close to the ground. As a result, worms, beetles and other insects fall victim to the rotating blades, depriving hedgehogs, which are active at dusk and at night, of their food source.
However, the hedgehogs themselves are also exposed to the risk of being injured or even killed by the robots. Instead of fleeing, hedgehogs instinctively curl up when in danger. Even the spikes are of little help to them. Hedgehogs are also magically attracted to the robotic lawnmowers because they smell of delicious food. Hedgehogs like to stick their noses into the device from the side in order to reach their supposed prey. They often pay for this with a severed nose.
What should I bear in mind when mowing?
- As hedgehogs are mainly on the move at dusk and at night, robotic lawnmowers should only be used during the day and only under supervision.
- To avoid endangering hedgehogs sleeping during the day, the area should be raked before mowing to be on the safe side. The same applies to the use of vacuum leaf blowers, grass trimmers or scythes, which can be dangerous to hedgehogs if not checked beforehand.
- Fledging baby hedgehogs are sometimes out and about during the day. Another reason not to leave the robotic lawnmowers completely unattended.
More nature in the garden
- If you have space, instead of a sterile lawn you should create flowering areas that only need to be mowed twice a year.
- Families with children benefit more from a low-maintenance flower and herb lawn anyway, which requires far less effort than a classic English lawn and provides more food for insects.
Help for injured hedgehogs
Anyone who finds an injured hedgehog should consult a specialised vet immediately or contact Private Igelhilfe Beckum. Further information can be found at www.igelhilfebeckum.de/kontakt.