Hedgehog hibernation is a critical welfare period when inadequate fat reserves, unsuitable nest sites, or climate-driven disruptions can cause death during or after torpor.
Hibernation welfare for hedgehogs involves both acute risks (bonfire mortality, premature waking) and chronic risks (inadequate fat reserves, poor nest site quality). Climate warming is creating a new welfare challenge - winter warm spells that cause repeated arousal from torpor. Each arousal burns fat reserves equivalent to days of activity, and if insufficient food is available during the warm spell to replenish reserves, the hedgehog may be unable to re-enter torpor successfully and dies from cold exposure. Late-born hedgehogs that cannot reach adequate pre-hibernation weight are a significant welfare concern - these animals require rehabilitation support, supplementary feeding, and overwintering in captivity before spring release.