When winter arrives, most people consider how to keep their homes warm and comfy. However, natural animals such as hedgehogs struggle to survive the winter months. People in Europe, as well as in certain parts of Australia where hedgehogs have been introduced, are becoming more aware of the importance of keeping these small, spiky animals safe over the winter. Knowing how to care for hedgehogs throughout the winter can significantly improve their health and survival chances.

Understanding hedgehog hibernation

People know that hedgehogs can sleep all winter. When it becomes cold, they enter a profound sleep-like state, which helps them conserve energy. Their heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature all drop significantly. This natural system allows them to last months without food, but it also makes them more vulnerable if the weather isn't ideal.

Hedgehogs in areas with harsh winters, such as Finland and parts of Northern Europe, require a lot of secure places to hide and a little help from humans. Weather changes and habitat loss can make it more difficult for animals to hibernate, even in milder climes. You may make your garden or other green spaces safer for them during this critical period by understanding what they require.

Preparing your garden for hedgehogs

Making your garden more hedgehog-friendly is one of the most simple ways to help them prepare for winter. These creatures prefer gardens with plants, leaves, and natural hiding spots. A landscape that is too clean and well-kept may appear beautiful, but it does not provide hedgehogs with the shelter they require to be warm and safe.

You can contribute by:

• Stacking leaves or logs in a nook to create a nesting area for birds.

• Stay clear of insecticides and slug pellets that may harm them.

• Making small holes in fences so that hedgehogs can go from one garden to another.

• Setting out shallow bowls of water in case the food runs out.

If you do a few of these things, you can provide a safe environment for hedgehogs to sleep, hibernate, and raise their young.

Feeding hedgehogs safely before winter

Hedgehogs eat as much as they can in the fall to gain weight for the winter. During this phase, you can feed them food to help them gain strength. Many people believe that bread and milk are safe for hedgehogs; however, these foods may really harm them. Instead, feed them high-quality cat or dog food, mealworms, or specialty hedgehog food available at pet stores.

When feeding, always use shallow dishes and store them in calm areas where pets cannot access them. It is critical to be consistent. Feeding hedgehogs at sundown every day prepares them for the winter months.

Building a hedgehog house

Another way to help is to build a hedgehog habitat. You can buy ready-made hedgehog houses at garden centers or make your own using wood and other natural materials. A simple wooden box with a tunnel for entering and exiting could make an excellent house.

Place the shelter in a tranquil, shady area of your garden, away from direct rain and wind. Line it with dry leaves or hay to ensure that it remains dry throughout the season. Don't bother it once a hedgehog has moved in; they need peace and quiet to sleep soundly.

Avoid common mistakes

People that desire to help wildlife can nonetheless make mistakes. Here are some things you shouldn't do to help hedgehogs in the winter:

• Do not wake them up: Interrupting hedgehogs in their hibernation state can stress them out and cause them to burn off critical fat stores.

• Avoid milk and bread: These foods are unhealthy and can cause sickness or dehydration.

• Be cautious with bonfires: Always inspect wood piles before lighting them because hedgehogs like to live in them.

• Do not use harmful chemicals: Pesticides and lawn treatments can kill insects that hedgehogs require for survival.

By keeping these tips in mind, you may not only keep hedgehogs safe but also help to improve the health of your property.

Hedgehogs and climate change

It's intriguing to see how climate change is influencing how hedgehogs hibernate. Warmer winters may disrupt their natural cycles, causing them to wake up earlier or not hibernate at all. People are more vulnerable while food remains scarce.

Australians and Europeans can both assist in safeguarding the environment by promoting sustainable gardening and animal awareness. Even simple actions, such as not cleaning the garden for no reason or providing safe food, can have a significant impact on biodiversity.

When to seek help for a hedgehog

During the winter, you may see a hedgehog that appears to be sick, wounded, or lost. In these cases, it is best to contact a local wildlife rescue facility. These professionals can assist with medical treatment or locating a safe place to stay. When dealing with wild hedgehogs, exercise caution and, if possible, wear gloves. They may contain bacteria or parasites.

Remember that most hedgehogs are active at night. Usually, seeing one during the day indicates that something is wrong. If it is freezing outside and a hedgehog is moving around, it may be struggling to stay alive and will most likely require assistance.

Final thoughts

One of the simplest methods to safeguard native species and biodiversity is to assist hedgehogs over the winter. Every small thing you do, such as building shelters, providing safe food, and being mindful of your gardening habits, has an impact. Hedgehogs require a safe and supportive environment to thrive, whether they live in Australia, Finland, or elsewhere.

These adorable animals have long served as a symbol of living in harmony with the environment. By caring for them, you help to ensure their existence as well as the balance of the environment.

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