VIER PFOTEN warns of underestimated risks for hedgehogs and others.
"Robotic mowers seem harmless, yet they can cause serious, often fatal injuries to wild and curious domestic animals," explains Ilana Bollag, Campaigner at VIER PFOTEN Switzerland. Hedgehogs are particularly at risk: instead of fleeing, they curl up in danger and often go unrecognised by the devices. This regularly leads to cuts and severe mutilations. Amphibians, reptiles, as well as domestic animals like cats or small dogs can also be affected.
After road traffic, motorised gardening devices such as robotic mowers, grass trimmers, or leaf blowers are among the most common man- made causes of injuries to hedgehogs.
Biodiversity needs space in the garden
In addition to the direct risk of injury, the use of robotic mowers also negatively impacts biodiversity. Permanently short-cut lawns provide little food and minimal protection for insects. As a result, vital feeding and retreat spaces are lost, affecting hedgehogs, birds, and other wildlife. Ilana Bollag adds, "A nature-friendly garden is therefore crucial for a functioning ecosystem."
Even simple measures such as wildflowers, leaf piles, deadwood, or deliberately unmown areas create valuable retreats and promote garden biodiversity.
In addition to robotic mowers, further risks lurk: open cellar windows or unsecured garden ponds can become deadly traps for wild animals. Simple means like cover grids or escape aids can significantly reduce these dangers.
Considerate gardening – protecting animals
VIER PFOTEN recommends a particularly mindful approach to using robotic mowers and other gardening devices to protect wild and domestic animals: before each mowing, it is essential to thoroughly check the grassed areas – particularly at dusk or in damp weather, when animals often reside in the grass.
Nighttime use should generally be avoided since many wild animals are active then. Domestic animals should remain safely indoors during mowing to prevent injuries. "For wild animals, an automatically mowed garden is not a harmless place. Those wishing to protect animals should refrain from using robotic mowers," explains Bollag.
Growing need for action
The Western European hedgehog is under pressure across Europe – even in Switzerland, suitable habitats are decreasing due to intensive garden use and the decline of insects. Additional threats such as the use of robotic mowers further exacerbate the situation.
What to do if you find an injured hedgehog?
Anyone taking in an injured or weak hedgehog should contact a qualified hedgehog specialist as soon as possible. They will decide whether the animal needs medical help or can be released back into the wild. If further care is necessary, it will be arranged by the hedgehog specialist.
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Contact:
Sylvie Jetzer
Communication Switzerland
VIER PFOTEN – Stiftung für Tierschutz
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zurich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch