Hedgehogs at Risk: How You Can Help During a Heatwave
This year's summer has also brought a dry spell with little rainfall to parts of Europe – and following several heatwaves, temperatures in many countries continue to exceed 25 degrees.
August is expected to be a hot month, and while we enjoy the weather, it can be unpleasant and in some cases even dangerous for wildlife.
One animal that is particularly at risk is the much-loved hedgehog. Hedgehog numbers are in sharp decline, with a drop of up to 75% in some countries over the past 20 years, and they are now considered endangered.
Although our gardens are crucial in the fight against the further decline of hedgehog populations, certain elements of our summer gardens can actually be dangerous for these animals.
While our gardens can be a true refuge for hedgehogs, certain features can pose a hazard at this time of year.
Ponds, paddling pools and even drains can mean serious injury or even death for hedgehogs. It is therefore essential that these areas are adequately secured. Simple measures in your garden can eliminate any risk and even provide important elements to keep our wildlife healthy in the heat.
If you have concerns about how to protect hedgehogs – and wildlife in general – in your summer garden, ask a local gardener to look at your outdoor space and make recommendations. Most measures are easy to implement and will make a significant difference to the hedgehogs in your area.
During summer heat periods, it is important to remember that hedgehogs are not only struggling with the high temperatures themselves – many are also caring for small babies. Placing shallow water dishes and checking long grass or under shrubs before doing garden work can make a big difference, so that you do not accidentally disturb a nest. A small gesture of kindness can save an entire family of hedgehogs.
Make your ponds and paddling pools safe
In the heat, wildlife, including hedgehogs, search for water sources. A pond or paddling pool can be very tempting – but hedgehogs could become trapped or even drown in them. To prevent this, cover your pools where possible or build a ramp that animals can climb to escape danger. These ramps can take various forms, from wire mesh to logs to small piles of stones. Check your pool or pond several times a day to ensure no animal has fallen in.
Provide shelter
Protection from sunlight is essential for hedgehogs. If you have a hedgehog house, place it in a shaded spot, such as under a tree or hedge. Alternatively, a stack of logs or leaves can provide excellent protection from the heat for a hedgehog. Avoid placing shelters on surfaces that can become hot, such as artificial grass, as this could burn the animal's feet and cause more harm than good.
Watch out for babies
Now is the time when you may spot a hedgehog baby. If you do, observe it from a distance. Do not panic if it is alone — hedgehog babies are generally independent of adults and do not always need to be rescued. Only intervene if they are obviously injured, in clear danger, squeaking with closed eyes, or appear smaller than an apple. If intervention seems necessary, take the hedgehog baby to a wildlife rescue centre or a veterinarian. The heatwave makes it more difficult for hedgehogs and hedgehog babies to find food and water. It is therefore a good idea to help them feed. However, be careful about what you give them. It is recommended to feed them canned dog or cat food, or specialist hedgehog food. Do not give them dry food, as they cannot eat it, and no milk, as it can cause diarrhoea. A shallow dish of water in which they cannot drown is also a good idea.
Let some areas grow wild
Wild areas in your garden provide a natural food source and shelter from the heat. This can be a small corner or a strip of your garden, or even a larger area that you simply let grow. By allowing nettles and other weeds to grow, you provide your hedgehogs with shelter during the warmer months.
Check your compost
Hedgehogs may seek shelter from the heat in your compost heap. Therefore, check it carefully before turning or digging it over. Many rescue centres report numerous injuries in hedgehogs caused by pitchforks or spades. Proceed with care and turn the compost slowly before digging it over.
Provide water and food
It is important to provide a small bowl or saucer of water for small animals, so that hedgehogs can take in sufficient fluids and do not search for water in dangerous places. Place the bowl in a quiet and shaded spot. A healthy hedgehog should drink approximately two tablespoons of water daily, so placing a small bowl of water out every few days is sufficient. Wet cat food is a good choice at this time of year, as it provides both fluid and nourishment.
Cover drains
Uncovered drains can pose a danger to hedgehogs – especially in hot weather. Hedgehogs may seek out drains as a water source in the heat and then become trapped inside. It is important to cover your drains where possible to ensure the safety of our hedgehogs. Cover them with a special "drain cover" or temporarily use a bag filled with water. If you plan to permanently build over your drain, you may need a permit from your local authority.
Detailed information about this hedgehog awareness campaign is available in English at https://www.mybuilder.com/blog/help-for-hedgehogs.
