Wildlife

Wild Mammal Welfare in Winter

Winter presents welfare challenges for wild mammals through food scarcity and cold stress, with some species entering hibernation while others face nutritional pressure.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs hibernate from November to March using stored fat reserves
Badgers remain active in winter but rely on earthworm stores reduced by frozen ground
Deer face their worst welfare during extended cold periods when grass is inaccessible
Otters maintain year-round activity but food availability varies with river freezing
Bats hibernate in maternity roosts and suitable cool caves during winter

Welfare Considerations

Winter welfare for wild mammals varies dramatically by species adaptation. True hibernators face welfare risk from early arousal or inadequate pre-hibernation fat reserves. Active winter species face nutritional welfare challenges when key food sources are frozen or snow-covered. Supporting habitat that provides winter food resources for active species and appropriate hibernation sites for hibernating species directly improves individual winter welfare.

What You Can Do

Leave leaf piles and log piles providing hedgehog hibernation habitat
Avoid disturbing hedgehog hibernation sites from November to March
Provide supplementary food for deer during extended harsh winter periods on managed land
Ensure garden ponds have exits for otters and other mammals that might fall in
Learn about winter behaviour of local mammal species to recognise welfare problems