Wildlife organizations are urging the public to report sightings of both living and dead hedgehogs ahead of the third annual hedgehog count scheduled for August 10–16, as data shows the animals are becoming an increasingly uncommon sight across Sweden. According to Jessica Ångström at WWF, the hedgehog is a threatened species experiencing a steady population decline driven by factors such as traffic, loss of habitats, diseases, parasites, and environmental toxins.
Population Decline and Missing Habitats Across Sweden
Last year’s mapping data revealed that hedgehogs appear to be completely missing in several areas where they historically thrived. According to findings from WWF and Nordens Ark, these gaps include regions around Göteborg, parts of Bohuslän and Dalsland, and areas north of Stockholm extending up toward Uppsala. “There seems to be a scarcity of them there, and we cannot really answer why right now,” says Jessica Ångström.
The overall recorded numbers from the monitoring initiative highlight fluctuating counts over recent periods. In 2024, a total of 50,000 hedgehogs were reported, while last year’s count reached 55,000 observations. Despite these numbers, conservationists emphasize that the localized disappearances point toward broader environmental pressures.
Did You Know? The annual hedgehog counting initiative is a multi-year effort scheduled to run for at least five years with financial backing from Svenska Postkodlotteriet.
How the Annual Hedgehog Census Works
The upcoming survey marks the third year of the Hedgehog Week, which takes place during week 33 from August 10 to August 16. The monitoring project is jointly driven by WWF and Nordens Ark. Organizers are asking the public to contribute by logging where, when, and how many hedgehogs they encounter—or conversely, reporting if they have not seen any or have never spotted a hedgehog at a specific location.
All observations can be submitted directly through the campaign portal at https://www.wwf.se/svensk-natur/sveriges-igelkottar/igelkottsveckan/#rapportera.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the hedgehog count taking place?
The third annual Hedgehog Week takes place during week 33, running from August 10 to August 16.
Who is organizing the project?
The monitoring initiative is driven by WWF and Nordens Ark, with financial support from Svenska Postkodlotteriet, and is planned to run for at least five years.
How can the public participate?
Individuals can report observations of living or dead hedgehogs—including reports of locations where no hedgehogs have been seen—online at the official WWF reporting site.
What steps can local communities take to protect declining hedgehog populations in areas where the animals have mysteriously disappeared?
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