Early hibernator (who we were sure was dead)
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We’ve had a resident hedgehog living in our garden and hedgehog box for about six months now.
Yesterday morning (October 20th) at ~1AM, with temperatures at about 12 degrees Celsius, our hedgehog disappeared inside his box and did not re-emerge. Over the course of the morning we could hear his breathing shallow on the live camera feed we have installed, and at around 11AM all audible breathing and movement had stopped.
24 hours passed and the situation remained the same.
Fearing the worst, we called around a few rescue centres, who seemed sure that it was too early for hibernation and that the temperature was far too warm. Assuming that our hedgehog had sadly passed away, and on advice from a rescue centre, we went to remove the hedgehog.
However, upon opening the box, it became clear that our hedgehog had not in fact died but was found shrouded in a donut of interwoven hay (we assume to be a hibernacula) and a gentle stroke of his back proved he was alive.
The hedgehog wasn’t disturbed and is still happily hibernating, but wanted to share this just in case anyone else finds themselves with an anomalous hedgehog like ours who may have hibernated in these mild temperatures.
This is definitely not too early for hogs to hibernate. Males in particular can easily have started hibernating now, after all it is nearly November despite the mild conditions.
What you describe is a hiberniculum – they can be so tightly woven that it’s hard to even see the hog sometimes. Hogs can often move around during hibernation and even move nests so don’t be alarmed if it does that. They won’t eat but may drink water so make sure there is a ready supply if needed.
Good luck with it and thanks for your story
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