Wild Hedgehog Hibernation Welfare

Hedgehog hibernation is a critical physiological process with specific welfare requirements around body weight, timing and hibernaculum conditions.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs require a minimum weight of approximately 600-700g to survive hibernation successfully
Underweight hedgehogs found active in autumn are at serious risk and require rescue and overwintering
Hibernation typically begins November-December and ends March-April depending on temperatures
Premature arousal during mild spells depletes fat reserves and can cause starvation
Hibernation sites include leaf piles, log stacks, compost heaps and dedicated hibernation boxes
Flooding of hibernation sites during winter causes drowning and hypothermia
Bonfire night poses acute danger when hedgehogs shelter in bonfire piles
Climate change is altering hibernation timing, with hedgehogs remaining active later into autumn

Welfare Considerations

Underweight hedgehogs entering hibernation face certain death from starvation as fat reserves are exhausted before spring. Those found active and underweight in October-November require rescue and captive overwintering. Premature arousal from hibernacula disturbed by humans or flooded by rain causes acute welfare crises. The most important welfare actions for hedgehogs are providing appropriate hibernation habitat, checking bonfires before lighting, and ensuring underweight autumn hedgehogs reach rescue centres promptly.

What You Can Do

Weigh hedgehogs found active in autumn - those under 600g need veterinary or rescue support
Create a log or leaf pile in a quiet corner as natural hibernation habitat
Build or check bonfires immediately before lighting - never leave prepared bonfires overnight
Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice on underweight hedgehogs
Raise bonfire piles on the day of lighting to give sheltering animals a chance to escape