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Hedgehogs, with their distinctive waddle and adorable snouts, are a beloved sight in UK gardens. These nocturnal creatures often announce their presence with rustling and snuffling as they forage for food. While I'm always thrilled to see them in my own garden, where they seem to thrive on a natural diet and plenty of water, it's important to understand the challenges these iconic animals face and how we can help.
Hedgehogs are relatively small, typically reaching 20-25cm in length and weighing up to 1.2kg. Their most recognisable feature is their coat of brown spines, which covers their back and sides. They have a long snout, and their underbelly, face, and limbs are covered in coarse fur, not spines.
Invertebrates are the staple of a hedgehog's diet. They are enthusiastic insectivores, relishing beetles, caterpillars earthworms, and more. While they may occasionally consume carrion or eggs, their primary food source is insects. In urban environments, they may also supplement their diet with cat food or leftovers left out by humans. It's important to remember that while these supplemental foods can be a treat, a natural diet rich in insects is what hedgehogs truly need to stay healthy. Always provide fresh water, especially during warm weather.
Hedgehogs are generally solitary creatures, coming together primarily for mating. After a gestation period, females typically give birth to litters of three to seven hoglets. The young stay with their mother for up to six weeks before venturing out on their own. Hedgehogs usually reach sexual maturity around 12 months of age. While they can live for up to seven years, their average lifespan is closer to two or three years.
Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter months, typically from November to mid-March. They create nests of fallen leaves in sheltered locations, where they spend the winter in a deep sleep. They emerge in the spring and are primarily nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night.
Hedgehogs are found throughout the UK, inhabiting a variety of environments, including woodlands, farmlands, parks, and gardens.
The best way to see a hedgehog is to provide a safe and welcoming environment in your garden. Leaving out a shallow dish of water and some suitable food, like wet cat food (but avoid fish-based options) or specially formulated hedgehog food, can attract these nocturnal visitors. You can also attract them by simply having a more wildlife friendly garden without having to add man-made foods. Listen for their characteristic huffing and puffing sounds at night, which often indicate their presence.
Sadly, hedgehog populations in the UK are in decline. Habitat loss due to development and agricultural practices, pesticide use reducing their food supply, and the dangers posed by roads and garden hazards all contribute to this decline
Hedgehogs are a gardener's friend, as they help control populations of slugs, beetles, and other garden beasties - wrongly described as 'pests'. They are best left to roam freely and should not be kept in captivity.
Fleas and ticks are common on hedgehogs. While hedgehog fleas are species-specific and won't infest pets, a heavy infestation of either fleas or ticks can indicate an underlying health issue. Seek advice from a wildlife rescue centre if you see a hedgehog with a severe infestation.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to mid-March. Providing suitable nesting sites with plenty of dry leaves will encourage them to hibernate safely in your garden.
By taking these steps, we can create safer and more welcoming environments for hedgehogs, helping to ensure that these charming creatures continue to thrive in our gardens for generations to come.
You can find out more about Hedgehogs from The British Hedgehogs Organisation and The Woodlandtrust.
You may also be interested in my blogs about other wildlife visiting my garden:
All Photos used within this article are sourced and licensed with Envato
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