Hedgehogs are one of the most beloved and iconic animals in the UK, and they can be found all over the country. As hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, you may not always see them, but if you do, it's important to know how to treat them. In this blog post, we will look at some practical ways you can help hedgehogs thrive in their natural habitat.
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Provide a safe space: Hedgehogs like to make their homes in quiet, secluded spots, so if you have a wild area in your garden or nearby, make sure it's safe for hedgehogs to nest. This can be done by creating a pile of leaves, twigs, and other natural materials that provide a cosy, warm shelter for them. You can also use a hedgehog house, which can be easily purchased online or in some pet shops.
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Offer food and water: Hedgehogs love to eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates, such as slugs, snails, and earthworms. You can help hedgehogs in the wild by leaving out a dish of water and some food, such as meaty cat or dog food, or specialist hedgehog food, which you can find in most pet shops. However, be careful not to feed them bread, milk or other human food, as it can be harmful to them.
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Create hedgehog-friendly areas: If you have a garden, you can help hedgehogs by creating a hedgehog-friendly area. This means planting flowers and shrubs that provide cover and food for hedgehogs, such as primroses, foxgloves, and hawthorn. You can also create a small pond, which will not only provide a source of water for hedgehogs but also attract other wildlife to your garden.
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Watch out for hazards: Although hedgehogs are hardy creatures, they are vulnerable to many hazards in the wild. These can include roads, garden ponds, and other man-made structures. You can help hedgehogs by checking for any potential hazards and making sure that they are safe from harm. For example, if you have a pond, make sure that it has sloping sides, so that hedgehogs can easily climb out if they fall in.
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Encourage others to help: Finally, if you want to help support hedgehogs it's important to encourage others to do the same. This can be done by sharing your knowledge with friends and family, as well as encouraging them to create their own hedgehog-friendly habitats. You can also support local wildlife charities and groups that work to protect and conserve hedgehogs in the wild.
In conclusion, looking after hedgehogs in the wild is not difficult, and it can be a rewarding experience. By providing them with a safe place to nest, offering food and water, creating hedgehog-friendly areas, watching out for hazards, and encouraging others to help, you can play a vital role in protecting these beloved creatures for future generations.