Lawnmower-related hedgehog fatalities stirring controversy over nighttime driving restrictions - Commission urges drafting of legislation to secure employees from ionizing radiation hazards.
Rising Concerns over Robotic Lawn Mowers and Hedgehog Safety
Robotic lawn mowers, popular for their convenience and eco-friendliness, have been the subject of increasing scrutiny due to their potential impact on wildlife, particularly hedgehogs. These nocturnal creatures are particularly vulnerable to injuries from nighttime mowing operations, leading to calls for regulation and the development of hedgehog-safe mowing practices.
In Baden-Württemberg, state animal protection officer, Julia Stubenbord, has reported a surge in injured hedgehogs as a result of robotic mowers. The issue arises because, unlike humans, hedgehogs do not shy away but curl up when they encounter obstacles, making them easy targets for the spinning blades.
The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg, alongside the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), have advocated for a night driving ban for robotic lawn mowers. Cities such as Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt, have already implemented similar restrictions.
Research conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, in collaboration with numerous hedgehog rescue stations, documented 370 cases of cut injuries to hedgehogs nationwide between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2023. Nearly half of the injured animals (47%) did not survive their injuries. The report also notes a high number of unreported injuries or fatalities, as hedgehogs, when mobile, tend to flee into the safety of hedges and bushes.
Anne Berger from Leibniz-IZW explains that most hedgehogs with cut injuries are found days or even weeks after the accident, indicating prolonged periods of suffering for these animals.
The dwindling number of hedgehogs is not solely attributable to robotic mowers. According to the German Wild Animal Foundation, the modern agricultural landscape and well-kept gardens often lack suitable habitats for these creatures. Additionally, hedgehogs are frequently run over or struggle to find food due to the rapid decline in insect populations.
In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is listed as "potentially endangered" on the international Red List of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of robotic mowers on these dwindling populations, with research focusing on the development of standardized hedgehog crash test dummies and emergency brake assistant technologies for robots.
While no nationwide legal ban on nighttime use of robotic mowers has been enacted as of mid-2025, numerous municipalities and wildlife organizations are advocating for such measures. The emphasis is on voluntary compliance, with manufacturers encouraged to integrate advanced obstacle detection features.
Crash tests and emergency brake systems, in conjunction with improved detection technologies, are being developed to reduce the risk of fatal encounters between robotic mowers and hedgehogs. Simultaneously, cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Erfurt, are discussing voluntary nighttime restrictions and best practices for hedgehog protection.
Civil society and conservation organizations, including wildlife advocates and some property management associations, are instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers posed by robotic mowers and advocating for safer technologies and responsible use. Manufacturers and researchers continue to collaborate on technological advancements aimed at minimizing the impact of robotic mowers on hedgehogs while ensuring the convenience and eco-friendliness that these devices provide.
- As concerns over the safety of hedgehogs continue to rise due to robotic lawn mowers, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and environmental protection organizations such as the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg advocate for environmental policies that prioritize the protection of these endangered creatures and their habitats.
- In light of the increasing number of injured or killed hedgehogs due to robotic mowers, science plays a crucial role in developing crash test dummies, emergency brake assistant technologies, and improved obstacle detection systems to decrease the risk of encounters between these devices and hedgehogs, while maintaining their eco-friendliness and convenience for home and garden lifestyles.
