Participant Information Sheet

Before you take part, look through the project details before giving us your consent

Purpose of the study

Rodents that have died from poisoning may indirectly poison animals that scavenge on their carcasses, especially if they die above ground. Little is known about hedgehog scavenging behaviour, despite hedgehogs being known to scavenge. We will explore scavenging behaviour in urban scavengers to better understand the potential risk of poisoning through scavenging, with a particular focus on hedgehogs.

What will you do?

You will take part in two study periods:

1)  Summer 2026

2) Winter 2026/2027

During each study period, you will complete:

• 2 recordings per season (4 recordings in total)

For each recording, you will be assigned a combination of:

• Prey type (rat or mouse)

• Location (front or back garden)

• Time period (day or night)

For example:

Recording 1: Rat – Front garden – Day  

Recording 2: Mouse – Back garden – Night 

• If you do not already have a motion-activated camera, one will be delivered to your home, provided you live in/near Reading.

• You will place a carcass in your garden either early or late in the day and record this using a camera for 72 hours. You may stop recording if you notice that the carcass has disappeared. If the carcass has been moved within your garden, just move the camera so it’s pointing at it again. Meanwhile, check your camera daily in case batteries need replacing. 

• Repeat this for the next recordings, except switch the options you have already done.

• After recording, transfer the video files to us and fill out the relevant information using a form.

Your rights

• Right to withdraw from participating at any time if you change your mind.

• Your private information will be kept confidential and only accessed by the research team. 

• Your name and contact details will not appear in any reports or publications.

• Feel free to ask us any questions at any time. Please contact us using the details below.

Data management

What data we collect: We'll collect data from videos you send to us.

Personal information: We will collect your name, address and email during this study.

Storage and security: Data will be stored on password-protected university systems and/or encrypted drives, accessible only to members of the research team.

Risks to you

Participants should take care when handling carcasses and equipment to avoid minor cuts, scrapes, or contamination. Carcasses may carry bacteria, so participants are advised to wear gloves when handling them, avoid direct contact, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Carcasses should be securely positioned to reduce the need for repeated handling.

Decomposing carcasses may produce strong odours and could attract insects or scavenging wildlife. While there is no expected risk of injury from wildlife, participants should avoid direct interaction with animals and observe only via camera. Care should be taken when placing or checking equipment outdoors to avoid trips or falls.

There is a small risk of local nuisance (e.g., odour or attracting animals), so participants should position carcasses away from frequently used areas where possible.

As with all online projects, there is a very small risk of a data breach. However, all data will be stored securely and handled in line with the University of Reading’s data protection policies.

Any questions? Contact us at urbanscavengers@reading.ac.uk