Hedgehogs may keep returning to your garden (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Lots of people love hedgehogs as the little creatures are so adorable but, little you may know, there’s a simple method you can use to attract them to your garden. They’re not actually seen as much at this time of year as they hibernate between November and March to survive the cold, food-scarce winter months.
However, even though they mostly stay in nests, they sometimes wake up to move nests or forage during warmer spells. Not to mention, they can visit people’s gardens in search of food and shelter too, so doing something to aid them can make a big difference.
Leaving a key item in your garden could aid how they survive during the colder months of the year. Not to mention, there are three other things you can do to help hedgehogs too.
Advice was recently shared on Instagram by Seedball, who posted some super crucial advice. If you want to help the little animals live well in February, there’s a simple task you may want to complete.
The post said: “Where do hedgehogs go in winter? Hedgehogs are one of a very few mammals that truly hibernate, which means going into a torpor or deep sleep, dropping their body temperature, which slows down all of their organs to save energy.”
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It continued: “When hedgehogs hibernate they curl up into a prickly ball with their soft tummies protected. For them to hibernate successfully they need to build up fat stores in the autumn.
“British hedgehogs are now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction. If you know you have active hogs in your garden you can put out fresh water and dried kitten food to supplement their diet.
“Help hedgehogs by not being too tidy in the garden. Hedgehogs use fallen leaves, dry grass and moss to make their nests, choosing somewhere sheltered and out of the way, such as under a hedge or in pile of sticks.
“Leaving some of these nesting materials available and introducing hog-friendly habitats could be a lifeline.” So, to make a difference, all you need to do is put a bowl of water in your garden.
It may not seem like much, but it could make a big difference to the hedgehogs. Not to mention, it will encourage them to stop by more often.
How to help hedgehogs
You may wonder what to do if you’re ever worried about a hedgehog. If you spot one during the day that looks weak, lethargic or covered in fleas, you need to act urgently.
If they look particularly small during the winter months, you also need to help them out. When they are less than 450g in weight, this could be a concern.
All you need to do is pop them in a box with a wrapped hot water bottle if you’re worried. Then contact your nearest wildlife rescue centre for advice about what to do next.
Always seek professional help from an animal expert, but keep the hedgehog comfortable in the box until its able to be seen. It’s a simple rule that should be followed.
However, by placing a bowl of water outside, you’ll be doing your bit to help them as best you can during the winter. You could also offer a little cat food too.
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