TIPS on reducing the risk of harming hedgehogs on Bonfire Night have been issued by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
The society is urging the public to stop, move and check before setting ablaze the bonfire pile.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS said: “As the nation gears up for bonfire and firework season, we are asking people to #RememberHedgehogs and consider how our actions can harm the wildlife living in our gardens and neighbourhoods.
“A bonfire pile looks like the perfect readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a safe and cosy winter nest to hibernate in.
“They don’t know we plan to set light to it.
“This year, stop to consider if you could mark the season in a more hedgehog-friendly way.
“Taking a few minutes to think about wildlife can really help save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets.”
BHPS suggested attending community events is a more wildlife friendly way to celebrate the day – the fewer bonfires there are, the fewer wildlife casualties there are.
Building a bonfire on the day you plan to light it will prevent animals nesting inside and becoming trapped.
Before lighting check the entire bonfire pile carefully for wildlife and pets and listen for the huffing sound of a hedgehog which has been disturbed.
Fay added: “It’s vital to remember hedgehogs at this time of year and to give them the best possible chance to escape the danger of a lit bonfire that they’ve mistaken for a safe haven.”
What to do if you find a hedgehog:
Gather it up with as much of the nest as possible and place in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty of torn newspaper or straw.
Ensure there are air holes in the lid and that the lid is firmly secured, as hedgehogs are great climbers.
Put the box somewhere safe and quiet, well away from the festivities and give the hedgehog some meaty cat or dog food and water.
Once the embers are totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs near where it was found, with its original nesting materials and some more food and water.
