The Gozo branch of Nature Trust - FEE Malta has issued a warning about the devastating impact mechanical grass trimmers – commonly known as strimmers – are having on hedgehogs across the island.

Earlier this week, volunteers came across a hedgehog in Xlendi with a horrific, open head wound. Part of his nose had been torn off, an injury believed to have been caused by a mechanical grass trimmer.

Sadly, the little hog did not survive. The extensive damage to his nose left him struggling to breathe and swallow.

Alongside this tragic case, Nature Trust also shared Holly’s story. The hedgehog was found in Nadur back in December with a severe open wound caused by a strimmer – a high-speed rotating grass cutter that can cause catastrophic injuries in seconds.

Holly was one of the lucky ones. After months of care, her wound has healed and the scab has fallen off. But most animals struck by strimmers are either killed instantly or left with severe open wounds that quickly become infected, often leading to a slow and painful death. Those rescued in time typically require months of treatment and rehabilitation.

Nature Trust is now making a sincere appeal: reconsider whether using these machines is truly necessary. If you must use one, take a few minutes to carefully check grass, shrubs and overgrown areas beforehand. Hedgehogs don’t usually run away when threatened. Instead, they curl up into a ball, hoping to go unnoticed – a defence mechanism that tragically makes them even more vulnerable to strimmers.

If you spot injured or endangered wildlife, contact the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta on 9999 9505.

A quick check before starting could save a life!