Hedgehogs in Vienna: How to create safe winter quarters for the spiny animals!

Hedgehogs in Vienna: How to create safe winter quarters for the spiny animals!

In Vienna, the city's residents are currently being asked to help their prickly neighbors in their gardens while the hedgehogs go looking for winter quarters and food. The Wildlife Service Vienna draws attention to the need to provide some support to these endangered animals.

Hedgehogs particularly look for shelter in piles of leaves or wood piles and use natural habitats such as green spaces, gardens and parks. In order to protect the hedgehogs' habitat, garden owners should create natural structures so that the animals can find sufficient hiding places and food sources. Structured gardens with piles of leaves and dead wood can be particularly helpful.

Threats to hedgehogs

The biggest threat to the hedgehog population is road traffic, followed by insect deaths, leading to food shortages. Again NDR shows, hedgehogs are increasingly expanding their habitat into urban areas, increasing their injury and death rates. The hedgehogs' habitat is also further threatened by robotic lawnmowers, sealed areas and the use of pesticides.

Especially at this time of year, many hedgehogs are sicker and more malnourished than ever before. Garden owners can help by designing unmown corners or small hedges as retreats and paying attention to existing hedgehog nests while gardening. It is recommended to use robotic lawnmowers and brush cutters during the day and to be particularly careful when doing so.

Feeding and support

When hedgehogs appear weak or sick, they need special support. Fresh water should be provided, while feeding should be limited to specialty hedgehog foods such as cat food, hard-boiled eggs, unseasoned scrambled eggs, or fried ground beef. Milk and fruit are not suitable as these can be harmful to the hedgehogs' health. If animals are found injured, the wildlife service should definitely be contacted.

Another helpful tip is to set up hedgehog houses as winter quarters. In the cold season, hedgehogs sleep, and in mild winters they wake up more often, which can jeopardize their energy reserves. During the hibernation period, the hedgehogs should not be disturbed or fed unnecessarily; only sick or injured animals should be taken into care and, if necessary, taken to a veterinarian.

With these measures, garden owners can do their part to maintain the hedgehog population and help their prickly neighbors through the winter. Further information on this topic can be found on the website of Gluco6.