Hedgehogs

[AndrewA123]

Just looking for information from anyone regarding hedgehogs.

Has there been a shortage of hedgehogs in recent years ?

In recent years they've seemed to become a lot less common, and even road kills seem to have reduced (a good thing, but not if it's the same percentage!)

When younger, I used to commonly see them around dusk. However now I can't tell you the last time I spotted a hedgehog alive.

[Farplace]

Yes I definately think there are less hedgehogs around. We are usually hosts to many hedgehogs throughout the year. We have had 7 this year. By this time in 2010 we had cared for 23. Worrying trend.

[AndrewA123]

Thanks for the confirmation, I wondered if it was just me not noticing them, but even going for a stroll at dusk, I've not found any where I'd have expected to.

The lack of road kills was also an alarm bell.

[~T~]

It's oddly the opposite for me. This year I've seen more than in at least the last 5 years combined. Sadly a lot have been roadkill (saw 2 yesterday ). The one(or possibly multiple) that visits my garden vanished for a week or so but is back now

[CharlieCreek]

Yes hedgehogs have seen a population decline, a very large one.

There is a project running at the moment between the PTES (Peoples Trust for Endangered Species) and the BHPS (British Hedgehog Preservation Society highlighting this and with suggestions for how you can help to save our hogs and long term maybe even turn things around.

You can find more info here:

Hedgehog Street

[AndrewA123]

Originally Posted by CharlieCreek

You can find more info here:

Hedgehog Street

Thank you very much, I'll take a good look. I've already made sure the gap under the garden gate is sufficient for them to pass though. But I'll take other steps where I can.

[AndrewA123]

Originally Posted by CharlieCreek

You can find more info here:

Hedgehog Street

Thank you very much, I'll take a good look. I've already made sure the gap under the garden gate is sufficient for them to pass though. But I'll take other steps where I can.

[2dogs2000]

This is the first year I haven't seen any in my garden>

[theanimallover]

I volunteer at a hedgehog hospital, unfortunately there are loads there...

I would encourage people to put out a bowl of water each evening, especially over dry spells. When I first started putting water out over this dry spell, they (or something) drank a pint each night!

A lot of hedgehogs come in to the hogspital severely dehydrated and starving - so some dog or cat food, kitten biscuits (do not give fish flavours of tinned or dried food) would be appreciated.

Also, unfortunately a lot of animals that I have seen have been attacked by dogs...So they get through that nice hole in the fence, only to be savaged.

I am not an expert just a volunteer - here is a good link: British Hedgehog Preservation Society

K