Bonfire night weekend: A complete guide on how to check your bonfire for hedgehogs

Bonfire night is approaching in UK following which a charity organisation, The Manx Wildlife Trust has advised people to be careful of Hedgehogs during bonfire lighting as they like to sleep among the branches. The Manx Wildlife Trust advises people to inspect bonfires for the creatures before igniting them to protect and shield them.

It is recommended that you create the fire on the day that you intend to ignite it, check for hedgehogs with a pole, and light the fire from one corner to give them a chance to leave.
In addition, the organization advises keeping an ear out for any hissing noises, which might indicate a distressed hedgehog.

How to look for hedgedogs in your bonfire

• The day before you want to light your bonfire, start building it.
• Always build a campfire on a flat surface.
• Check your campfire with a pole or brush before igniting it.
• Look inside the blaze with a torch and listen for a hissing sound; a hedgehog may be in trouble if this is heard.
• To give your hedgehogs enough time to flee, start your blaze from a corner.

FAQ

What is a hedgehog?
A hedgehog is a spiny mammal belonging to the eulipotyplan family Erinaceidae's subfamily Erinaceinae. In addition to New Zealand through importation, there are seventeen species of hedgehogs spread over five genera in various regions of Asia, Europe,and Africa.

What purpose does a hedgehog serve?
The fact that our hedgehogs are an indicator species is one of the most significant things about them. They serve as a gauge for the condition of our immediate surroundings. Hedgehogs aren't picky, they don't rely on a single food source, and they don't suffer from even minor weather fluctuations, unlike certain other types of wildlife.

Are hedgehogs suitable pets?
Hedgehogs may be entertaining and low-maintenance family pets.