Wild Hedgehog Winter Survival and Hibernation Welfare

Hedgehog hibernation is a complex physiological process. Understanding hibernation welfare needs helps householders and wildlife rescuers provide appropriate support.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to March, though timing varies with temperature
During hibernation, body temperature drops to near ambient and heart rate falls from 190 to 20 bpm
A hedgehog must weigh at least 600g to survive hibernation - underweight individuals may not make it
Hedgehogs can wake from hibernation during mild spells and resume foraging
Garden bonfires are a significant hazard - hedgehogs shelter in leaf piles that become bonfire sites
Slug pellets (metaldehyde) accumulate in hedgehogs that eat poisoned slugs
Hedgehogs rescued underweight in autumn can be overwintered in captivity and released in spring

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog hibernation welfare concerns centre on preparation, safe hibernation sites and appropriate body weight. An underweight hedgehog entering hibernation has insufficient fat reserves to survive the 4-5 month period without food. Such animals frequently die in hibernation or emerge dangerously depleted in spring. Providing supplementary food in autumn helps hedgehogs reach adequate weight. Safe hibernation sites - undisturbed leaf piles, hedgehog houses or compost heaps - that are not disturbed by garden activity are essential. Checking bonfires before lighting and moving them before burning has saved many hedgehog lives.

What You Can Do

Check bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting - move the pile to a different location immediately before igniting
Provide supplementary food (wet cat food, water) in autumn to help hedgehogs build pre-hibernation weight
Leave areas of the garden undisturbed with leaf piles for hibernation sites
Use wildlife-friendly slug control - copper tape, wool pellets and iron phosphate pellets instead of metaldehyde
Contact BHPS or local hedgehog rescue if you find an underweight hedgehog after October