Homes for Hedgehogs
Hedgehog hibernation
Together with bats and dormice, hedgehogs are one of the only species in the UK to hibernate. Hedgehogs go into hibernation in October/November and won’t emerge until March/April, although if the weather is mild, they may remain active until December. Hibernation isn’t actually sleep, it’s a state known as torpor. Hedgehogs will reduce their body temperature and slow all normal processes. This allows them to save energy over winter when their usual food supply is diminished
It’s vitally important that hedgehogs eat enough before hibernation to build up the fat stores that they will rely on over the winter. If you do have hedgehogs in your garden supplementary feeding in the autumn can be a real help as it will ensure hedgehogs build up these important fat stores.
Photo: Getty Images/ Canva
There is a chance that a hedgehog will wake up during their hibernation, especially if its mild. In fact, research has shown that hedgehogs usually move at least once during their hibernation, so it’s not odd to see one out and about. If the weather is mild, hedgehogs may wake up and forage for food, so don’t panic if you see a hedgehog out during winter, but definitely consider putting some supplementary food out if the weather is very mild, your hedgehogs will definitely benefit from a nutritious top up.
If you do find a hibernating hedgehog and are not sure if it’s actually hibernating or dead, you can very gently touch it’s spines and if it’s ok, you will see slight rippling in it’s skin and spines. If you do find a hedgehog that looks as though it’s hibernating out in the open, it is probably very unwell or sadly dead. If you’re concerned at all, you can contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, who can put you in touch with a local rescue for advice and guidance.
Thank you for being a hedgehog hero
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to actions you can take to protect Somerset’s hedgehogs. See below for some more ideas, and look out for emails as we share lots of tips, ideas and fun facts about hedgehogs and how you can help the hogs in your garden.
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