Wild Animals

Hedgehog Hibernation and Safe Garden Practices

Garden practices can profoundly affect the welfare of wild hedgehogs during hibernation and breeding seasons, with simple changes making significant differences for local populations.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs hibernate from November through March in much of their range
They build nests in leaf piles, compost heaps, and under garden sheds for hibernation
Garden bonfires built on leaves and garden waste are a leading cause of hedgehog death
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde kill hedgehogs that eat poisoned slugs
Garden pond edges that are not sloped prevent hedgehogs from climbing out and cause drowning

Welfare Considerations

Urban gardens represent critical hedgehog habitat across European cities. Simple welfare-protective practices require minimal effort but can dramatically improve survival rates for local hedgehog populations. Checking bonfire sites before lighting, switching to wildlife-safe slug control, creating sloped pond edges, and leaving leaf piles undisturbed over winter all reduce preventable hedgehog mortality and suffering.

What You Can Do

Always check bonfires for sheltering hedgehogs before lighting
Switch from metaldehyde slug pellets to wildlife-safe ferric phosphate alternatives
Create sloped exits in garden ponds to prevent hedgehog drowning
Leave leaf piles undisturbed in quiet corners as hibernation nesting sites
Install a hedgehog house in your garden for shelter during breeding and winter seasons