Despite recent storms sweeping across the UK, the temperature has actually been milder than usual for this time of year. As a result, an animal rescue charity has found that many hedgehogs haven't completed their hibernation period because they think spring has already arrived.
Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS), based in East Sussex, usually cares for around 300 hedgehogs during the winter months. But this year, many of the hedgehogs have been released back into the wild early having woken up from hibernation prematurely.
The charity's founder, Trevor Weeks, believes that hedgehogs are confused by climate change. He told the Daily Mail: "Until we get to the spring it's difficult to know what's going to happen. We are in uncharted territory – I have not known weather like it.
Milder winter temperatures followed a late-starting autumn in 2019 which saw many hedgehogs produce a second litter of hoglets pre-hibernation. This can be dangerous because the baby animals often don't have enough time to fatten-up in time for the winter months, leaving many at risk. "October, November and December were busy for baby hedgehogs," says Trevor.
Back in December 2019, this lead to one charity finding multiple hedgehogs that were too weak to hibernate and thousands of hoglets were rescued just before Christmas. Sadly, this was down to a lack of food and resources caused by the uncertain weather.
The charity has also revealed fears over non-hibernating hedgehogs being poisoned by parasites found on bugs that thrive in mild weather. Usually, hedgehogs hibernate from October right though until April, but the change in their behaviour has meant they are eating foods they normally wouldn't (such as the bugs, for example).
What to Read Next
Read more on hedgehogs:
- How to make a hedgehog house
- 4 signs you have a hedgehog in your garden at night
- How to make your garden a haven for wildlife throughout winter
- Here's how to save hedgehogs during the heatwave
"If this is the pattern of things to come, we could be seeing major change in how hedgehogs exist in the UK," Trevor continues. "I think we should be worried about it because it's such a dramatic change.
"Fingers crossed it doesn't have too much of a negative impact. The next few months are going to be quite critical."
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8 native British animals to look out for in winter
Mountain hares
A true winter spectacle, mountain hares shed their brown fur in late November, turning their coats a blueish-white until April. This makes them much easier to spot running in the fields, especially to predators like Golden Eagles.
Where to spot them: The Peak District and Upper Pennines in England, Snowdonia in Wales and the Scottish Highlands.
Starlings
Starlings take centre stage at this time of year too. Marshlands and reed beds are transformed as thousands of birds return to roost. Before they bed down for the night, the starlings perform a special dance (known as a murmuration) in the sky at dusk. A seriously special sight.
Where to spot them: The RSPB has a helpful list of locations on its website.
Robins
With their bright red plumage, robins provide a much needed splash of colour in the winter months which can be easily spotted in gardens and on woodland walks. Listen out for their distinctive song from the trees and bushes as they hunt for worms.
Where to spot them: Gardens and woodland across the UK.
Woodlarks
A close relative of the very vocal skylark, the woodlark flexes its vocal chords in the winter months with a delicate and fluting song. February and March are when you're most likely to catch a glimpse.
Where to spot them: The New Forest, heaths in Surrey, Berkshire and Suffolk, Hampshire, Devon and East Anglia. Visit the RSPB website for more information, and to hear audio of their call.
Red squirrels
Red squirrel numbers are sadly in decline, but you can still catch a glimpse of this charming creature as they venture into nature reserves and woodlands to feed from bird tables and peanut feeders.
Where to spot them: Three-quarters of the dwindling population are found in Scotland and Ireland, along with the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Northumberland. The Wildlife Trust has a full list of locations on their website.
Short-eared owls
Owls are majestic yet elusive creatures. Now's the time to try and catch a rare glimpse of short-eared owls in the wild as they head to wetlands and coastal marshes in search of food. They're one of the few owls that hunts in daylight, and isn't put off by fellow birds, so you may well be in luck!
Where to spot them: WWT Wetland Centres can point you in the right direction. Try Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, or Leighton Moss in Lancashire.
Foxes
A short four-day mating season brings foxes out into the open with their distinctive piercing mating call. Some say it sounds like a scream, while others compare it to a howl, either way, you can't miss it!
Where to spot them: Wooded rural areas and urban backstreets after dark.
Green woodpecker
January and February are the nosiest months for this native bird as they nest in the trees to mate. The largest of the three British woodpeckers, their distinctive colour and call, along with their preference for feeding on the ground, means you should be able to catch a glimpse.
Where to spot them: In gardens and woodlands nationwide, except for the far north and west of Scotland and Ireland.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
