When do hedgehogs hibernate?

[amber organics]

We have recently had a regular visitor to our hedghog house. He has been building a nest by weaving leaves into the hay and sleeping in there during the day. However, he appears to be going out later on.

I presume he is getting prepared for hibernation and wondered if the cold spell due this weekend might persuade him to!

Does anybody know?

[Mike]

Came across this when searching for the answer myself!

Answer below:
The timing of hibernation does depend on many things including the weather. When it gets very cold, they will hibernate (if they are fit and fat enough) because their natural food disappears in the cold weather. A general guide is November – March although large hedgehogs may hibernate as early as September. However, if it stays mild after November they will stay out longer, and if it warms up in February, you may see them around then! During hibernation a hedgehog will wake up several times, and if you see one it is a good idea to offer food and water, then, if there are no signs of problems, let it go on its way.

[amber organics]

We haven't actually seen our visitor since late November. The food continues to go, but this may be due to the blackbirds who have learned to go inside the hedgehog house and retrieve it a piece at a time!

Have recently invested in an wireless infrared night vision camera and I hope to be watching what's going after dusk when I get a bit of spare time.