Researchers report finding microplastics in hedgehog droppings and then tracing the source to pet food. The work begins with the observation of microplastics in samples collected from hedgehogs, prompting questions about how the particles enter the animals’ digestive systems. The researchers examine likely exposure pathways and conclude that pet food is a significant contributor. Because many hedgehogs rely on human-provided food, including food supplied by people, the study focuses on materials hedgehogs encounter in shared environments. By comparing the microplastic presence and characteristics in the droppings with those found in pet food, the researchers link the particles to consumption of the food rather than other environmental sources. The findings indicate that household feeding practices can introduce microplastics into wildlife diets, at least for hedgehogs that eat pet food. The study highlights the broader issue of microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems and suggests that domestic food waste and stored or served animal feed can be part of the pathway for microplastics to reach wild animals.