Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Weight Pre-Hibernation Welfare

Hedgehog weight entering hibernation is critical for survival, with underweight hedgehogs requiring intervention to prevent death.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 600g to survive hibernation successfully
Juveniles born late in summer often do not reach hibernation weight by autumn
Wildlife rehabilitators overwinter underweight hedgehogs preventing hibernation death
The public can identify and rescue at-risk hedgehogs encountered in daylight or in cold weather

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs that enter hibernation underweight slowly starve during winter arousal periods. Rescue and overwintering by licensed rehabilitators saves many individuals each year. Public awareness of the 600g threshold enables timely intervention.

What You Can Do

Contact a hedgehog rescue if you find a hedgehog active in daylight or weighing under 600g
Support local hedgehog rescue organisations through donation
Provide supplementary food in autumn to support hedgehogs reaching hibernation weight