Save Hedgehogs from Bonfires

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has shared some helpful tips to ensure our hedgehogs are safe during bonfire night.

As we get closer to bonfire and fireworks season, let’s remember the wildlife that shares our world.

1) MOVE the materials to a cleared area on the day you plan to light them
2) CHECK the pile carefully just before you strike that match
3) OFFER an escape route by lighting from one side only – this gives any hidden hedgehogs a final chance to scurry away.

Hedgehogs love to snuggle in the centre and bottom parts of the bonfire, so be sure to check these areas gently by lifting the bonfire section by section with a pole or broom.

Avoid using a spade or fork as these can harm them.

A flashlight can help you spot any signs of life, and listen for a soft huffing sound, which is what hedgehogs do when they’re startled.

If you do happen to find a hedgehog in your unlit bonfire heap:

• Carefully gather it up with some of its nest and place it in a high-sided cardboard box filled with crumpled newspaper, towels, or straw. Make sure there are air holes in the lid, and secure it tightly, as hedgehogs can climb!
• Wear gardening gloves or use a soft towel to handle them, keeping human scents to a minimum, and helping to keep them calm, as hedgehogs can get easily stressed; plus, it will protect your hands from their prickles!
• Keep the box in a safe, quiet spot, like a shed or garage, far away from the noise, and offer the hedgehog some tasty meaty cat or dog food along with fresh water.
• Once the embers are nice and cool, gently release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush, or near a stack of logs close to where you found it, along with its original nesting materials.