Hi Prof
Some of the male hedgehogs do start hibernation surprisingly early, so it could be that. But also it could be that he is concentrating on another part of his range where he may already have chosen a hibernation site and not want to travel too far in the run up to hibernation.
Fingers crossed he has a good hibernation and returns fit and well in the Spring. Male hedgehogs tend to start hibernation earlier than the females (who may either still have hoglets or need to put on weight after the hard work of rearing them) but then the males tend to return earlier – sometimes early March. Don’t forget to leave water available through the winter. Also some people continue to leave a small amount of food. Hogs do tend to emerge for short periods during hibernation time and may welcome some refreshments. But also some hogs, usually hoglets (it seems) choose not to hibernate and might wander around a bit looking for food during winter.
Good luck. I hope all goes well.
