Wildlife Hedgehog Hibernation and Welfare

Hedgehog hibernation is a critical survival strategy that can be disrupted by climate change and garden management practices, with understanding of hibernation requirements important for supporting garden hedgehog populations.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs hibernate from approximately November to March in the UK, depending on temperature and food availability
Hedgehogs must achieve a minimum weight of approximately 450-600g before hibernation to survive the winter
Premature arousal from hibernation due to warm spells depletes fat reserves without foraging opportunity
Log piles, leaf heaps, and purpose-built hedgehog houses provide suitable hibernation sites in gardens
Nest disturbance during hibernation can cause fatal arousal, particularly in January and February
Climate change is shortening the hibernation period, potentially disrupting the seasonal biology hedgehogs depend on

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog hibernation welfare is threatened by habitat loss, garden tidiness practices, and climate change. Hedgehogs that cannot find suitable hibernation sites lose heat and energy fatally. Underweight hedgehogs attempting to hibernate cannot survive on insufficient fat reserves. Garden bonfire construction over autumn leaf piles kills hibernating hedgehogs annually. Providing suitable hibernation habitat and understanding when not to disturb garden leaf piles and log stacks makes a measurable contribution to hedgehog survival and welfare.

What You Can Do

Leave areas of your garden undisturbed through winter to provide natural hibernation habitat
Build or purchase a hedgehog house and place it in a sheltered, quiet area of your garden
Always check bonfires for hibernating hedgehogs before lighting, or build them on the day they are to be burned
Provide supplementary food in autumn to help underweight hedgehogs build sufficient fat reserves before hibernation
Never disturb an apparently hibernating hedgehog unless it is in immediate danger