Caution: Hedgehogs Awaken from Hibernation - How Can We Help Them?

With the arrival of spring, nature awakens from its winter slumber, and so do some of its most charming inhabitants - hedgehogs. These small, spiky residents of our gardens and parks emerge in search of food, often encountering numerous dangers in our urban environment. The number of hedgehogs in Europe is declining, a worrying trend that calls for action. Here, we will explore ways to help them while raising awareness of the issues they face.

Why Are Hedgehogs Important?

Hedgehogs play a crucial role in the ecosystem as natural controllers of harmful insects. A decrease in their population leads to an imbalance, which can have far-reaching consequences for our garden ecosystems. They are primarily nocturnal animals that feed on insects, slugs, and worms, contributing to the health of our gardens.

Dangers They Face

Hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable during spring when they awaken from hibernation. Many fall victim to lawnmowers as their shelters are often in tall grass or piles of leaves. Traffic is another significant threat, with numerous hedgehogs killed by cars. Additionally, due to their tendency to hibernate, people sometimes mistakenly assume hibernating hedgehogs are dead, leading to tragic outcomes.

How Can We Help?

Observe but Do Not Disturb: If you spot a hedgehog in your garden, enjoy watching it but do not interfere. These creatures are solitary and thrive without human intervention. Excessive disturbance or attempts to keep them as pets can negatively impact their natural behavior and well-being. Instead, create a hedgehog-friendly environment in your garden with safe shelters, accessible food, and water. Remember, respecting their wild nature and independence is the best way to contribute to their conservation.

Hedgehog-Friendly Gardens: One of the best ways to help hedgehogs is by creating safe and hospitable gardens. This includes maintaining shrubs and hedges where hedgehogs can take refuge during the day or hibernate in winter. Avoid using insecticides to ensure they have enough natural food.

Hedgehog Houses: Installing hedgehog houses can provide safe shelters during hibernation and protect them from lawnmowers. These houses are not only important for winter protection but also serve as safe places for raising young. Place these houses in quiet, sheltered spots in your garden, ideally before the colder months or in spring when hedgehogs actively seek safe places to rear their young. Regular maintenance and checking of these houses will ensure they remain hospitable and safe for hedgehogs and their families.

Feeding Hedgehogs: Feeding hedgehogs can be beneficial, especially in spring when food is scarce. It is recommended to use cat or dog food, avoiding dairy products. Put out food in the evening when hedgehogs are most active. In addition to food, it is crucial to provide fresh water daily, particularly during warmer months or dry periods. Dehydration can be a significant problem for hedgehogs, so ensuring access to clean water can be vital. Place a shallow dish of water in a safe spot in your garden to help these little creatures stay hydrated.

Caution While Mowing: Pay special attention when mowing the lawn, especially in areas where hedgehogs may have their shelters. In Belgium, regulations have even been introduced to limit the operation of robotic lawnmowers at night to reduce hedgehog fatalities.

Nighttime Driving: Extra caution while driving at night is crucial for hedgehog protection, as they are most active during the evening and nighttime. During these hours, hedgehogs often cross roads in search of food, water, or a mate, making them particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents. Drivers may not easily spot hedgehogs on the road, especially in poorly lit areas or under low visibility conditions. Therefore, it is essential to reduce speed and be extra vigilant when driving at night, particularly in areas known to be inhabited by hedgehogs. Pay special attention when driving through areas where the environment transitions, such as from urban to rural zones, as hedgehogs are often found in such transitional areas looking for food.

Hedgehogs in Croatia and Europe

Hedgehogs, with the Erinaceidae family encompassing 25 species divided into two subfamilies – true hedgehogs and moonrats (also known as gymnures, which lack spines) – play a key role in ecosystems across Europe, including Croatia. These charming residents of our gardens, parks, and rural areas, such as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and the Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), are the most well-known representatives of their family on European soil.

Despite their presence and significance in maintaining ecosystem health and pest control, hedgehogs face numerous challenges. Studies consistently warn of a decline in hedgehog numbers in Europe, caused by factors such as habitat loss due to urbanization and intensive agriculture, pesticide use that reduces their food supply, traffic accidents, and other forms of human impact.

Given these challenges, hedgehogs are considered a species that requires attention and proactive protection measures to ensure their survival and well-being. Although hedgehogs are not specifically listed as protected species at the European Union level, some countries have recognized the need for their protection through national laws and regulations. Additionally, various organizations and initiatives across Europe are dedicated to raising awareness about hedgehogs' needs and developing and implementing strategies for their conservation.

Protecting hedgehogs and ensuring conditions for their safety and reproduction not only contributes to preserving this unique species but also to maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystems in which they live. Therefore, taking steps to conserve hedgehogs is a key part of broader ecological efforts on the continent.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are valuable allies in maintaining the health of our gardens and nature in general. Their declining numbers call on each of us to take steps to provide them with safe habitats and food. By adapting our gardens, providing safe shelters and food, and exercising caution while driving and mowing, we can make a significant difference in preserving these fascinating creatures. Let our small actions be part of a larger change that allows hedgehogs not only to survive but to thrive in the modern world.