A Love Dance in the Garden: Understanding the Hedgehog Carousel
- By Annette Berger
- ~ 2 Min Read
Hedgehogs perplexingly stumbling and rotating in a circular pattern at present. - Hedgehogs exhibiting uncharacteristic spiraling movements and persistent circular running in a specific location.
Have you noticed hedgehogs running in circles in your garden or park lately? Warmer summer nights are the perfect time to witness this peculiar behavior.
You might have seen something similar at our house a few years back. Late one evening, we spotted two hedgehogs on our terrace, seemingly unbothered by our presence. One spiny creature moved in a somewhat wobbly pattern, circling around the other. My husband pondered if the seemingly uncoordinated hedgehog was unwell, and maybe it needed a vet's attention. Eventually, we decided to let the animals be.
To our surprise, we had stumbled upon a fascinating love story. The perplexing ritual is called the "hedgehog carousel." Male hedgehogs circle around the females, often for hours, attempting to win their favor. Females usually don't show immediate interest and may raise their spines and hiss. Sometimes, they take advantage of the male's focus and escape.
The male hedgehog's persistence pays off
Male hedgehogs put in a significant effort to persuade the females to lower their spines and mate. These nocturnal creatures lose track of time during the mating season, even spending entire nights in one spot, love-struck.
After mating, the male hedgehog takes leave, leaving the female to care for the offspring alone. She becomes a single parent, nurturing the young for the first six weeks.
Newborn hedgehogs are now being born all over Germany, according to the German Wildlife Foundation. Gardeners need to be cautious as hedgehog nests could be hidden beneath leaf piles and dead wood. To avoid disturbing the mothers and causing their offspring to starve, consider adopting a gentle approach or pausing gardening activities.
Observing Close: Is the hedgehog Writing a Love Letter or Requesting Help?
While hedgehogs circling and staggering can be a result of their romantic pursuits, it's essential to look closely. The animals face numerous hazards in gardens, such as lawnmowers and toxic substances. A hedgehog alone in the grass may not be an orphan but simply busy being cared for by its mother.
In most cases, patience is key. Young hedgehogs take five to six weeks to grow large enough to venture out on their own. After their first winter, they mature and are ready for the next round of "hedgehog carousels."
Sources: Press release and info for hedgehog-friendly gardens of the German Wildlife Foundation, "Pro-Igel.de", Learn more about hedgehogs and their mating rituals in this informative YouTube video
HedgehogsMating seasonGarden
Tips for Hedgehog-Friendly Gardens:
- Provide natural hedgerows or piles of leaves and logs for hedgehogs to nest and hide.
- Avoid using pesticides and slug pellets that can harm hedgehogs.
- Offer shallow dishes of water and food during dry spells or when natural food sources are scarce.
- Use caution with garden tools and strimmers to avoid accidents.
- Leave gaps in fences or boundaries to allow free passage for hedgehogs.
- To ensure a harmonious coexistence between our community and this fascinating garden wildlife, it's crucial to implement the community policy that supports home-and-garden practices that are hedgehog-friendly, such as providing natural habitats and avoiding harmful substances.
- In terms of lifestyle adjustments, one could consider incorporating vocational training in wildlife conservation within our community, giving the future generations an opportunity to understand and protect these intriguing creatures, like the hedgehogs, whose mating rituals have now become an interesting topic of discussion.
