'It's difference between life and death' as UK residents told 'leave 50g food out'

'It's difference between life and death' as UK residents told 'leave 50g food out' A wildlife expert is urging UK residents to leave a small amount of food outside this autumn to help hedgehogs A wildlife expert is calling on UK households to leave a small quantity of food outdoors this autumn to assist a cherished British creature as it prepares for hibernation. People nationwide are being urged to set out a modest bowl of food, weighing between 50 and 100g, as it could prove to be the "difference between life and death". As autumn progresses, hedgehogs face a crucial period for their survival. After enduring a difficult summer marked by drought and challenging weather conditions, hedgehogs desperately require assistance from British homes. Hedgehogs are entering autumn with significantly diminished energy reserves due to limited natural food availability, and are now in a race against the clock to accumulate sufficient fat stores before winter arrives. With food becoming progressively harder to find in contemporary gardens and built-up areas, and insect numbers and natural habitats continuing to decline, additional support has never been more vital. According to The Wildlife Trusts, hedgehog populations are falling across the UK. Hedgehogs are classified as vulnerable to extinction in Great Britain on the Red List for Mammals and Near Threatened globally on the IUCN Red List, with rural populations having dropped by 30% to 75% since 2000. Wildlife expert Sean McMenemy, founder of Ark Wildlife, has offered advice on how the public can help hedgehogs flourish during this pivotal time of year. Hedgehogs must reach a healthy weight before hibernation or risk dying A safe weight for hibernation is roughly six hundred grams. Sean recommends using a visual check: a plump, well-rounded hedgehog approximately the size of a grapefruit (or preferably bigger) is typically in decent shape, reports Wales Online. Those appearing small, skinny, or insufficiently rounded may struggle to survive hibernation without help. "Hedgehogs must carry enough energy to last through the winter months, when they will not eat at all," Sean says. "If they enter hibernation underweight, there is a high chance they will not wake in the spring." Never give hedgehogs milk, as they are lactose intolerant and lack the digestive enzymes to break it down. Drinking cow's milk leads to agonising stomach cramps, bloating, and severe diarrhoea. Create 'hedgehog highways' to enable hedgehogs to forage freely Roughly 70 per cent of a hedgehog's natural diet is made up of beetles, caterpillars, worms, and other invertebrates, which supply vital protein, fats, and minerals. Yet modern urban settings provide fewer chances to forage. Extensive hard landscaping, habitat destruction, and declining insect diversity mean that numerous hedgehogs simply can't find enough food in autumn. Making small openings at the bottom of fences, called 'hedgehog highways', enables them to travel between gardens in search of food and shelter, Sean says. He adds that hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in recent decades, especially in rural locations. Gardens now serve a vital function in supporting the species. Replicate natural feeding with supplementary food sources Throughout autumn, providing supplementary food can prove lifesaving. Sean recommends either a specialist hedgehog food that mirrors their natural insect-based diet, or poultry-based cat or dog food. A modest portion of approximately 50g-100g per hedgehog each night is typically adequate, he advises. Food ought to be positioned in a quiet, sheltered spot within the garden, preferably inside a covered feeding station to avoid disturbance from pets or larger wildlife, he notes. Offering food at dusk corresponds with natural hedgehog behaviour and helps guarantee the food is consumed quickly. "Hedgehogs are shy by nature," Sean explains. "They feed best when they feel secure, so providing cover is just as important as providing food." Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Keep vigilant and seek professional advice when concerned for a hedgehog's health While hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, the occasional daytime appearance isn't necessarily cause for concern. Nursing females and hungry juveniles may sometimes search for food during daylight hours. Any hedgehog that seems lethargic, unresponsive, staggering, shaking, or injured requires immediate attention, and a wildlife rescue centre or vet ought to be contacted without delay. Rethink your gardening to support hedgehogs and other wildlife Simple wildlife-friendly gardening can make a dramatic difference to hedgehog survival rates. Piles of leaves, stacked logs and undisturbed garden corners all help to support the natural insects that hedgehogs feed on. Avoiding harmful chemicals and taking care when operating strimmers can also prevent many unnecessary injuries. "Every connected garden becomes part of a larger habitat," Sean said. "If households work together, we can create continuous safe corridors for hedgehogs to feed and travel." Important final thought With winter drawing in, the weeks ahead will prove decisive for hedgehog survival. Those animals that have fed well stand a strong chance of making it through to spring. Those that haven't may not be so fortunate. Sean concludes: "This is the most important time of year to support hedgehogs. A bowl of food, a bowl of water and a safe space can be the difference between life and death."