As the festive lights twinkle and the temperature drops, we often assume all wildlife is tucked away in deep hibernation. However, this isn’t strictly true, especially for hedgehogs. While many hedgehogs will be sleeping soundly, some hedgehogs forgo hibernation and remain active into December and beyond. These foragers desperately need our help, as natural food sources like beetles and worms become scarce or inaccessible beneath frozen ground.

Offering a supplementary food source and fresh water can be a true lifesaver for these winter wanderers. The best choice for hedgehogs is a high-quality, meaty food. Do not feed them bread or milk—these can make them very ill. Instead, you can provide cat kibbles or small, meaty dog biscuits. These are rich in protein and nutrients, providing the energy they need to stay warm. Place these dry biscuits on a ground feeding tray in a quiet, sheltered spot in your garden, ideally near a pile of leaves or a log pile where they might be nesting.

To ensure your offering benefits the hedgehogs and not neighborhood cats or foxes, consider using a feeding station. This can be as simple as an upturned storage box with two small, hedgehog-sized entry holes that larger animals can’t access. Always remember to put out a shallow dish of fresh water alongside the food, as hydration is just as vital as nourishment. By taking these small steps, you can provide a crucial winter lifeline for hedgehogs that have not yet managed to hibernate, significantly improving their chances of surviving the cold months and greeting the spring.