Wildlife Welfare

Hedgehog Hibernation Welfare and Climate Change

Climate change is disrupting hedgehog hibernation patterns, with warmer winters causing erratic waking that depletes energy reserves critical for spring survival.

Key Facts

UK hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to March when food is unavailable
Mild winters cause early waking when food is still scarce, wasting critical fat reserves
Climate change is causing more frequent hibernation interruptions across UK hedgehog populations
Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 600g to survive hibernation successfully
Late-born juvenile hedgehogs in mild autumns may not have time to gain sufficient weight

Welfare Considerations

Hibernation disruption from climate change causes energy depletion and increased starvation risk for hedgehogs, particularly juveniles. This represents a climate welfare impact where individual suffering results from broader environmental changes driven by human activity.

What You Can Do

Provide supplementary food for hedgehogs in autumn to help build hibernation weight
Check autumn bonfires before lighting for hibernating hedgehogs
Support climate change mitigation as a long-term intervention for hedgehog welfare