Hedgehog

• look out for hedgehogs on warm, barmy nights in August when they may be foraging in your garden
• you might even hear them as they make a lot of snuffling and grunting sounds as they root about
• the hedgehog is quite common is Northern Ireland and is instantly recognisable by its greyish-brown coat consisting of thousands of protective spines
• the head and body length of a fully grown adult is about 250mm
• hedgehogs eyesight is poor, but their sense of smell and hearing is very effective when foraging for small invertebrates, such as slugs and earthworms
• to protect itself, the hedgehog rolls itself into a tight ball
• they are almost entirely nocturnal but are often seen at dawn and dusk foraging and snuffling about in gardens and along field boundaries
• hedgehogs are generally solitary animals, breeding for the first time at about one year of age
• hedgehogs are considered the gardener's friend as they can help keep some of the garden pests under control
• breeding occurs right through from May to October (the non-hibernal period) and during this time they are extremely vocal
• most young are born during June after a month-long period of pregnancy
• nests are usually only built for the purposes of hibernation in winter and for rearing their young in summer
• outside of this the animals usually shelter in vegetation
• hedgehogs hibernate during the winter period and build hibernation nests, occasionally in garden woodpiles and under garden sheds - you could help them by building a hibernaculum
• hibernation begins around October/November and ends during April
• occasionally hedgehogs are hosts to a great number of fleas, but these cannot be transferred to humans
• you can attract hedgehogs into your garden with foods such as canned dog or cat food, minced meat or any raw or cooked meat leftovers
• also provide fresh water in a shallow container and do not give them bread and milk - More...