The big sleep

How you can help UK hedgehogs prepare for hibernation

- DAISY FOX

CHARITY Hedgehog Street helps to protect the UK’s only spiny mammal by raising awareness of how important they are and how we can help them.

With lots of hogs looking for places to hibernate now, the charity answers questions about these spiky creatures.

What do hedgehogs do in winter?

They hibernate. It’s a way to press the pause button while their natural insect food is in short supply. They build sturdy hibernation nests out of sticks and leaves.

They choose sheltered, hidden spots under thick hedges or sheds. These nests are called ‘hibernacula’. Hedgehogs may switch between different ones during the winter.

How do they survive hibernation?