Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Autumn Weight Monitoring

Monitoring hedgehog weight in autumn is critical for identifying individuals too light to survive hibernation, enabling intervention that saves lives each year.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to reach at least 600g to have sufficient fat reserves for hibernation
Juveniles born late in summer may not have reached adequate weight by October
Weighing hedgehogs found in daylight in September-October identifies those needing support
Rehabilitation centres provide feeding and housing to underweight hedgehogs through winter
Spring release of successfully overwintered hedgehogs contributes to local population support

Welfare Considerations

Autumn weight monitoring provides a simple, effective welfare intervention for hedgehogs at critical risk of starvation during hibernation. Each hedgehog assessed and supported represents a prevented death that would otherwise involve energy depletion and cold-related suffering.

What You Can Do

Weigh any hedgehog found in daylight in autumn - under 600g means it needs help
Contact a local hedgehog rescue if you find an underweight hedgehog
Provide supplementary food in your garden through September and October