Although we’re currently experiencing a cold snap, spring is not far away. Over the next few weeks, one of the many signs that spring is truly underway will be the re-emergence of hedgehogs from their winter hibernation. During hibernation, major physiological changes take place - the heart rate slows to less than 10 beats per minute, body temperature drops dramatically and breathing slows to the point that a hibernating hedgehog may only take a few breaths an hour. By the time hibernation comes to an end, they may have lost as much as a third of their body weight.
Males are the first to emerge from hibernation, usually during March. There is no clear single theory as to why this is. Possibilities include changing daylight patterns affecting the male hedgehogs’ hormone levels, or males needing a head start in the vital search for food before the breeding season.
Whatever the reason for this earlier emergence from hibernation, the males have a tough start to the year. Temperatures can still be low and unpredictable in March and food sources remain scarce after the winter. The process of emerging from hibernation is slow and energy intensive as it takes a while for the changes that took place during hibernation to reverse, using a special type of brown fat. Hedgehogs build up two different stores of fat; the fat that sustains them through the winter and brown fat that directly converts stored energy into heat when emerging.
So it's no wonder that males can struggle when they first emerge. Hungry and weak to start with, they are vulnerable to prey and to accidents such as falling in ponds or getting tangled up when still a bit drowsy. So March is a perfect time to put out food to give the males all the help they can get. One great idea is to make a hedgehog café. This will help the hedgehogs to replenish their body weight and build up the energy they’ll need for the breeding season.
Sadly many hedgehogs die in garden accidents, especially when vulnerable at the start of the year. We can give them a massive helping hand by taking a bit of extra care over the next couple of months. Although it’s tempting to have a clear up in the garden as spring gets underway, remember that hedgehogs may still be hibernating under piles of leaves or wood. The females will stay put until April or early May, so resist the temptation to disturb any piles for just a bit longer and you’ll be doing the hedgehogs a huge favour. If you have a pond, check that it has an escape ramp in place for any hedgehogs or other wildlife that might fall in. Clear up any garden netting lying around that hedgehogs might get tangled up in when drowsy after hibernation, and make sure you check before you strim or cut back old long grass and undergrowth.
Hedgehog in garden
Photo credit: Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
It's not long now until Flatford Wildlife Garden reopens. There will be a special open weekend for Mother's Day 18 & 19 March (open 10.30am to 3.30pm) and then the garden will be open daily from the 31 March!