Whilst trying to catch our injured Hog recently in the shrubs in the dark of night.. ( she’s doing well, recovering in Hogpital as we speak..! ) ..I discovered, by chance, that my key ring torch is actually a UV / ‘black light’ LED torch..! Used to check banknotes etc..
So…. whilst not particularly illuminating in terms of lighting your way with it’s dull blue glow ( & as I say, sorry if this is a familiar phenomenon ) ..it does however, demonstrate that Hog spines / quills fluoresce a rather natty shade of pink at the lighter tips!!! ( .. the dry food I have glows a vivid shade of highlighter yellow..!! Making Hog Haus look more like a rave than a nature sanctuary..!! ) LOL!
On a serious note, because I knew I had an injured Hog I needed to track urgently, I bought a more powerful one ( only £5 ) & the additional output meant I could spot them in the borders from a good distance & locate our injured one, otherwise invisible in amongst the shrubs.. job done!
One word of caution to consider
– not sure how much of a factor this is, but it’s advised not to look directly at the torch light for a prolonged period as can temporarily irritate the eyes – but my experience has been that in each instance, Hog has turned away already realising your presence.. & showing off to full effect the pink tipped highlight show!! So shouldn’t be an issue for the time it takes to locate & rescue..
As I say, apologies if everyone knew this already – but hopefully the info is of help to anyone who finds themselves in the same situation!