Hedgehog Hibernation Risks and Safe Garden Practices

Wild hedgehogs face serious risks during hibernation from garden hazards, cold snaps, and disturbance. Understanding their needs helps gardeners protect these beneficial mammals.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to March in the UK and Europe
They can lose up to 30% of their body weight during hibernation
Bonfires, strimmer blades, and garden netting kill thousands of hedgehogs annually
A hedgehog weighing less than 450g before winter may not survive hibernation
They build nests from leaves, grass, and bracken in sheltered spots
Garden ponds without exit ramps are a major drowning hazard

Welfare Considerations

Hibernating hedgehogs are completely vulnerable and cannot escape threats. Disturbance during hibernation forces them to use precious energy reserves, potentially causing death from starvation before spring. Underweight juveniles that fail to reach sufficient weight before cold weather face near-certain death. The intensification of gardens — removing leaf piles, netting over ponds, erecting solid fencing — has contributed to a dramatic 30% population decline in rural Britain since the year 2000.

What You Can Do

Check bonfires for sheltering hedgehogs before lighting
Install a hedgehog house filled with dry leaves in a sheltered corner
Leave piles of leaves and log piles undisturbed through winter
Add a ramp or stones to garden ponds so hedgehogs can escape
Create hedgehog highways: 13cm gaps at the base of garden fences
If you find an underweight hedgehog in late autumn, contact a rescue centre