edgehogs, dormice and bats are the only species that fully hibernate during the chilly months (Image: Getty)
Hedgehogs, dormice and bats are the only species that fully hibernate during the chilly months.
While this allows them to build up fat reserves by eating foods rich in fat and sugar and during hibernation, it also makes them vulnerable to predictors as their metabolism, heart rate and breathing slow down as they survive on stored fat.
Other wildlife including squirrels and badgers sleep for much longer and rely on a steady supply of food from underground stores.
Hedgehogs and dormice will seek out warm shelter during hibernation, making sheds and summerhouses a comfortable space to spend the winter.
Favourite spots where hedgehogs love to sleep for the winter include compost heaps, log and leaf piles, under hedges, hedgehog houses, tree cavities and for dormice, roof spaces.
Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect have issued a warning to all households who have the little creatures in their gardens this winter.
They have issued advice on exactly what you should do if you find one.
A spokesperson said: “If you find a hibernating hedgehog or dormouse in your shed or summer house, the best thing to do is welcome the little visitor and make its stay as safe as possible.
“Disturbing a hibernating animal can be bad for their health and with the hedgehog population in decline, we need to do all we can to protect them.
“If you think the animal is sick or in distress do contact a local wildlife rescue centre. They’ll have the expertise and knowledge to nurse your winter visitor back to good health.”
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What to do if you find a hedgehog in your garden
Leave alone
If you find a hibernating hedgehog or a family of dormice, simply leave them alone. During the colder months they look for quiet, undisturbed places to spend the winters. Disturbing them can also be bad for their health.
Remove chemicals
If you store any chemical based garden products or paint in your shed, gently move it away from the hibernation spot. Just be quiet while you’re doing it, you don’t want to disturb their rest.
Provide a supply of drinking water
Place fresh water in the shed for the hedgehogs or dormice to sip. Use big plant saucers – these are too heavy to tip over and leave a puddle.
Meaty food
Offer meaty cat or dog food in the form of dry biscuits. Again this can be left on a saucer in case they need it. Make sure it’s accessible and easy for them to reach.
Spring relocation
As the warmer months spring to life, think about creating an exit path for your winter visitor. Leaving the shed or summerhouse door open at night means they can leave when they’re ready.
Return visitors
If you enjoyed having your winter visitor, think about how you can attract them back into your garden next year. Maybe think about adding a hedgehog house to your garden design or leaving log and leaf piles for them to turn into suitable winter shelter.