The humble hedgehog is being pushed into the limelight through a national awareness campaign to protect the prickly animal from accidental death.

More than 60 road signs are being installed around Malta and Gozo cautioning drivers to “drive slow – do not squash me please” under a picture of a cute hedgehog.

Nature Trust president Vince Attard said 91 hedgehogs were saved this year after being injured but “more awareness” was needed of the dangers they face on the road.

“Sometimes a mother is killed and its babies stay next to her in an attempt to get milk and end up dying anyway,” he said.

Others are injured or killed by grass cutters or construction machinery after the spiny creatures crawl under the equipment for the night. However, the most common cause of death is the car.

Mr Attard pointed out that good intentions sometimes also had an adverse effect.

91 hedgehogs were saved this year after being injured, but ‘more awareness’ is needed

“Some people find injured hedgehogs and, in an attempt to help, give them cow’s milk, which actually causes an inflammation and makes them unwell.” The injured hedgehogs are placed under the care of Nature Trust volunteers, who medicate and rehabilitate the animals before releasing them. “We get calls from Animal Welfare, the planning authority and the police about injured hedgehogs – people call us directly as well,” he said.

People can adopt an injured hedgehog and the money will go towards its rehabilitation. The campaign also has a fundraising function, as Nature Trust is trying to collect money to build a €1.6 million wildlife resort centre in Xrobb l-Għaġin. “We will apply for EU funds but need to collect around €200,000,” Mr Attard said.

The organisation plans to file a development application with the planning authority next year. For more information visit www.naturetrustmalta.org, Nature Trust Malta on Facebook or e-mail info@naturetrust.org.