Hedgehog Hibernation and Winter Welfare

Hedgehog populations have declined sharply across Europe, and understanding their hibernation needs is essential for garden-based conservation and welfare support.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since the year 2000
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to March but may wake during mild spells
Underweight hedgehogs weighing under 450g before winter have low survival rates
Artificial feeding can help hedgehogs reach sufficient weight before hibernation
Road traffic kills an estimated 100,000-340,000 hedgehogs annually in the UK alone

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare is closely tied to habitat quality and seasonal food availability. Gardens play an increasingly important role as natural habitats shrink. Hibernating hedgehogs are vulnerable to flooding, disturbance, and predation. Underweight juveniles born late in the season are at particular risk of dying during their first winter. Feeding supplementary food in autumn, providing hibernation boxes, and creating connectivity between gardens through fence holes can all make a meaningful difference to individual animals.

What You Can Do

Leave areas of garden wild with leaf piles and log stacks for hedgehog hibernation sites
Feed supplementary food such as meat-based cat food or hedgehog pellets from September onwards
Check compost heaps and bonfires for hedgehogs before turning or lighting
Create hedgehog highways by cutting 13cm holes in garden fences
Avoid using slug pellets and pesticides that reduce prey availability for hedgehogs