29 Dec Helping Hedgehogs in Winter
We might only provide insurance for dogs, cats and rabbits here at 4Paws, but we’ve got a lot of love for other animals and wildlife too. At this time of year, there’s often more we can do to support wildlife in our gardens – including hedgehogs.
These prickly visitors are nocturnal and usually hibernate between November and mid-March. However, they can sometimes be seen during this period, particularly if they’re changing nesting sites or have been disturbed. If you spot a hedgehog in winter – especially during daylight – it may need a helping hand. Here’s how you can support hedgehogs this winter.
Seeing hedgehogs in winter
Hedgehogs are found throughout the UK, and an adult hedgehog can travel 1-2km per night searching for food and mates. They’re naturally nocturnal and tend to keep out of sight during winter hibernation.
While it isn’t unheard of to see a hedgehog during the day, it can be a sign something isn’t right. If you see a hedgehog out in daylight that seems lethargic, is lying out in the open, looks wobbly, or appears injured, it may need urgent care.
What to do if you find a sick or injured hedgehog
If you find a sick or injured hedgehog in winter, use gardening gloves or a towel to pick it up carefully (to protect both you and the hedgehog).
Once you’ve safely picked it up:
- Bring it indoors and keep it somewhere warm and quiet
- Wrap it in an old towel and place it in a sturdy cardboard box with high sides to prevent it climbing out if it becomes more active
- To help keep it warm, place a hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) in the box so the heat is gentle and not too hot. Make sure there’s space for the hedgehog to move away from the heat source if needed
- If you can, offer fresh water and a small amount of meaty dog or cat food (not milk or bread)
You should then call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 for advice and details of local independent rehabilitators.
How can you encourage hedgehogs in the garden?
In spring and summer, there are plenty of ways to make your garden more hedgehog-friendly – and hedgehogs are often called gardeners’ best friend because they eat a variety of pests.
In autumn and winter, you can help by keeping parts of your garden a little “messy” and creating natural hibernation spots. For example:
- Leave or create log piles, leaf piles, and dense, undisturbed corners.
- Consider installing a purpose-built hedgehog house to provide a safe, dry, predator-resistant shelter. If you’d like to build one yourself, there’s a guide from The Wildlife Trusts.
- If you accidentally disturb a hibernating hedgehog, carefully cover it back up. You can also leave fresh water and a small amount of meaty cat or dog food nearby if it wakes. Dispose of any uneaten food after a couple of days.
- Help hedgehogs move safely between gardens by creating small access points in fences and barriers (often called “Hedgehog Highways”). This allows them to roam more freely in your neighbourhood.
Give nature a helping hand, and watch it thrive in your garden.