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As you start your new school year, you probably think that Summer is over. Winter is on its way. Nature is also getting ready for Winter. Plants are producing fruit and seeds. Many animals are eating these to build up energy to survive the Winter.
Some animals hibernate as their stategy for dealing with Winter. The hedgehog is one of two mammals in the UK that hibernate. If you have a garden or live near woodland you might see these shy, spiky animals foraging for their favourite food. They love slugs, snails and worms but will eat seeds and fruit as well.
Soon, the hedgehog will be looking for a place to build its hibernation nest. It will need somewhere safe, where it won't be disturbed by predators or weather. Its favoured spots will be under piles of wood or leaves. There it will use grass and leaves to construct a nest to last the Winter.
As Winter approaches, the hedgehog goes through a strange change. Its breathing and heartbeat slow down. Blood flow to the skin is diverted to the centre of its body. Its brain function goes into a coma like trance. In this state the hedgehog will spend Winter. The hedgehog can still respond to danger though. If disturbed, the hedgehog can still raise its spines in defence. The fat it has built up by feeding now will be used to help it survive the Winter. The hedgehog does come out of hibernation every now and again during Winter. This is usually to find food and to sleep. It does take a lot of energy to do this, another reason it needs plenty of fat reserves to cope.
As the weather warms up, the hedgehog comes out of hibernation ready for Spring. It may spend time in its nest until it is ready to go out foraging for food once more.
Hibernation is a risky time for hedgehogs and not all make it. We can help them though. If you have a pile of leaves or wood which has been made for a bonfire; check before you light it. There might be a hibernating hedgehog in there. In the evenings, you can leave out food for them. Hedgehogs need to weigh around 5kg to survive Winter. You can buy hedgehog food, but dog food and cat biscuits will be welcome (as it will be by the neighbouhood cat; be aware!). Hedgehogs need to roam through several gardens. Can a hedgehog get into and out of your garden? Is there a hedge, or gap under a fence they can get through? Are your neighbours hedgehog friendly? If you have school friends nearby you could set up a "Friends of Hedgehogs" group.
If you are lucky to see a hedgehog in the evening (they are nocturnal); do be still and quiet. You can watch them snuffling around for food using their sensitive nose. Do not touch them. They are wild animals. They have sharp spines and a nasty bite. Most will run away from you if they see you. Some will freeze while they suss you out. Others will curl up into a ball to protect themselves.
So, we wish our hedgehogs a peaceful Winter. See you in the Spring.
