The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and a recognized researcher are once again highlighting the issue of hedgehogs in Denmark and encouraging everyone to participate in the national hedgehog count, which will take place on Saturday, August 10. Last year, a total of 33,523 hedgehogs—both alive and dead—were recorded, thanks to the efforts of approximately 15,000 participating Danes.

The aim of the count is to gain a clearer understanding of the hedgehog’s distribution and the threats it faces, such as the risk of being hit by vehicles. Participants are required to enter GPS coordinates for both live and deceased hedgehogs, providing researchers with valuable data on the animals’ movement patterns and habitats. It is also important to report if no hedgehogs are sighted, as the absence of these animals in certain areas could indicate a decline in their population.

Urban residents are encouraged to extend their counting efforts to the countryside, where there are fewer people to assist, and to combine the counting with a walk in nature. This year’s count is a continuation of the collaboration between WWF and hedgehog researcher Sophie Lund Rasmussen, known as Dr. Hedgehog, supported by the Nordea Foundation. The data collected from this project will contribute to a better understanding of the hedgehog’s situation in Denmark and aid in the protection of this beloved yet potentially threatened species.