November is highly significant for our hedgehogs for two reasons. The first is Bonfire night
(week) and the other is for hibernation, with many going into hibernation
around mid-November.
November 5th comes first so please do take extra
care when checking bonfires. It is far
better to collect the materials for the fire and only put them into place on
the day it is to be lit. Those built
before the day can attract hedgehogs, so should be inspected before
lighting. If possible lift the materials
around the bottom edge of the pile using a broom handle or similar and check
for extra piles of leaves or you may even see the hedgehog itself. A disturbed hedgehog may also make a hissing
sound (like a snake) to try to intimidate those disturbing it. Start by lighting one side of the bonfire and allow
the quiet side, i.e. the side with the least people standing around, to remain
unburnt for a few minutes as this may allow an escape route for any missed
hedgehogs.
If you find a hedgehog put it in a high sided box with some
meat based cat food and a towel to snuggle under. Put it in a quiet place and once the noise
etc. has died down release the hedgehog with its dish of food. However if the hedgehog is on the small side and you are able to weigh please weigh and if under 600 grams contact your local hedgehog carer for advice.
Depending on the weather and how far north you are will
depend on when those larger hedgehogs will go into hibernation. Mid November is about the time many will
choose. Those that do not hibernate
(autumn juveniles), particularly when the weather turns colder will need extra
help.
Regular visitors should be able to cope provided extra food
is always put out every evening. Weighing
them regularly should ensure there is a weight gain. If there is a problem e.g. out in the day or there
is only a small weight gain or it is still considered too small to hibernate and
the weather is closing in then contact your local hedgehog carer of the the BHPS for details of a local hedgehog
rehabilitator. In addition those wandering
without a regular supply of food and especially when there are frosts expected
will struggle to find any natural food, so they too will need to be rescued. So if you find a hedgehog you've not
seen around before weigh it and call for advice.
If you are concerned about any hedgehog, or you see one out
in the day, contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801
(if you can weigh the hedgehog first that is always helpful, but do use gloves
when you handle them). For more
information about hedgehogs and how to help them, including a leaflet on autumn juveniles visit the BHPS website.
