Story perspectives

Hedgehogs Hear Ultrasound, Paving Way for Sound Repellents

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Sophie Rasmussen, lead researcher at the University of Oxford, reports that European hedgehogs can hear ultrasound up to 85 kHz, far above humans at 20 kHz.
The finding could guide the development of sound repellents to protect hedgehogs from cars and lawnmowers.
Rasmussen notes that further studies are needed to identify effective sounds for these repellents.
The study also suggests hedgehogs may communicate using frequencies beyond human perception.

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Story summary

Dr. Sophie Rasmussen, lead researcher at the University of Oxford, reports that European hedgehogs can hear ultrasound up to 85 kHz, far above humans at 20 kHz.
The finding could guide the development of sound repellents to protect hedgehogs from cars and lawnmowers.
Rasmussen notes that further studies are needed to identify effective sounds for these repellents.
The study also suggests hedgehogs may communicate using frequencies beyond human perception.