Hedgehog hibernation is a critical period requiring sufficient fat reserves, appropriate temperature and undisturbed nest sites to survive the winter successfully.
Hibernation is the most dangerous period of the hedgehog year - many do not survive due to insufficient fat reserves, disturbance or inadequate nest sites. Late autumn hedgehogs that are underweight need intervention from wildlife rescuers to survive winter. Finding a hedgehog out during daylight hours in autumn or winter almost always indicates a welfare emergency - it is too cold or ill to remain in its nest. Providing garden habitat with log piles and undisturbed leaf mounds, leaving food available in autumn to help hedgehogs build reserves, and checking bonfires before lighting are direct welfare interventions.