Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Autumn Weight and Hibernation

Hedgehog welfare in autumn is critically dependent on achieving adequate weight before hibernation, with many not surviving winter.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 450g before hibernating to survive winter
Juveniles born late in the season often fail to reach this weight
Rescue centres overwinter underweight hedgehogs to improve survival rates
Hedgehog highways (holes in garden fences) increase foraging territory and food access
Climate change is affecting hibernation timing and increasing winter mortality

Welfare Considerations

Autumn weight gain is a critical welfare bottleneck for hedgehogs. Underweight hedgehogs face near-certain death during hibernation. Creating connected garden habitats and supporting local rescue centres significantly improves outcomes.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog highways in garden fences to expand foraging territory
Leave autumn leaf piles undisturbed as potential hibernation sites
Contact local hedgehog rescue if you find an underweight hedgehog in late autumn