Hedgehog hibernation is a physiological strategy to survive winter food scarcity, but urban hedgehogs face specific threats during this vulnerable period including disturbance, hypothermia, and premature emergence.
Winter is a critical welfare period for hedgehogs, with many animals failing to survive if they enter hibernation underweight or are disturbed during torpor. Late-born hoglets from second litters are particularly vulnerable and frequently need rehabilitation support to reach adequate weight before winter. The welfare risks of garden bonfires built days before lighting are significant, as hedgehogs seek the leaf pile environment for hibernation. Climate change is making hedgehog hibernation patterns increasingly unpredictable, with animals emerging during warm spells and burning valuable energy reserves.