Got a funny sight in your garden lately? Let's talk hedgehogs dance!
Hedgehogs exhibiting odd behavior, often seen tottering and moving in loops. - Hedgehogs are engaging in spinning motions and running in circles in the vicinity.
by Jimbo Jones** + - 2 Min
Looking out your window, you might've come across a peculiar spectacle lately – hedgehogs wobbling in circles in the dead of night. But fear not, that's just hedgehogs in the midst of their romantic dance-off. Yes, you heard that right – hedgehogs can get real cheesy sometimes!
On a warm summer's eve, it ain't uncommon to spot a pair of spiky boogie-ers on your terrace or backyard – just like it happened to us a few years back. Two of those prickly creatures seemed oblivious to our presence, their eyes gleaming under the moonlight. One of them seemed off-balance as it circled around the other. My ol' man couldn't help but wonder if that swaying move was a bit too much tequila or if the spiny lover needed a visit from the vet. But we let them be, figuring they were just having a "hoedown" of their own.
And boy, were we right! We stumbled upon a moment straight out of a romance novel title – the "hedgehog carousel". The male hedgehog, in a move as old as time, was courting his female companion by circling her for hours. She was initially not very into it; raising her spines and hissing – but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day, right? It also turned out that he was so love-struck that she managed to sneak away, leaving him spinning in circles!
These little guys take dating to a new level
The male hedgehog's gotta work for it! Being nocturnal and sneaky animals, they can lose track of time during the mating season. In our garden, we've seen them sticking around well into the morning, all lovey-dovey and stuck to each other, while the world was wide awake.
But the love-fest doesn't last long. After a quick tango, the male heads off, leaving the female to give birth on her own – she's a single momma bear, after all.
As we speak, the tiniest baby hedgehogs are popping out all over Germany. Both the German Wildlife Foundation and Pro-Igel are raising awareness about it. Gardeners beware – hedgehog nests are often under that pile of leafy mess and dead wood in your garden. So, don't go poundin' those leaves too hard, or you might be causing some distress!
On the flip side, if you've got a hedgehog swingin' and swayin' in a wobbly manner, it might not be love at first sight. These little critters face quite a few dangers in our gardens, from lawnmowers to poisonous goodies hidden under the bushes. So make sure to have a closer look before you go calling the rescue teams!
Don't judge a book by its cover – a closer look helps
Little hedgehogs sitin' alone in the grass ain't necessarily sad and motherless. Many times, their mama comes pick ‘em up, even durin' the day – something the German Wildlife Foundation has pointed out. In most cases, it's best to leave them be and hope for the best.
By the time hedgehogs grow big enough to go it alone – after about five to six weeks – they're sexually mature and ready to join the next season of the "hedgehog carousel." So sit back, grab a lawn chair, and get ready for the next act in your garden's little romantic drama!
Sanity check: Hedgehogs mating season takes place during late winter and spring, but it depends on the species. European hedgehogs are gettin' down between December and April, while African hedgehogs are lovin' it up from April to September. Key signs of hedgehog mating season include increased movement, vocalizations, nesting behavior, and protective males.
To help these adorable little creatures, be mindful of your gardening activities, install "hedgehog highways" – small gaps in your garden fence (about 13cm x 13cm), and provide shelter like leaf piles or log piles. And if you spot a hedgehog seemin' distressed or in need of help, give your local wildlife team a call.
Now that you know the truth behind your garden's twirling dance, go out and enjoy the next scenes during the mating season – but remember, always keep an eye out for those wobbly lovebirds!
Sources: Press release and information for hedgehog-friendly gardens from the German Wildlife Foundation, "Pro-Igel.de", Here on YouTube, you can find a heartwarming video of baby hedgehogs snugglin' up in a nest
Watch the video: The association Wildtiere OWL draws attention to a sadly not-so-uncommon, but deadly problem with a current case: Garden animals are often severely injured or killed by lawnmowers.
- Hedgehogs
- Mating Season (Times, Signs, and Behavior)
- Garden
- In the community garden, it's crucial for homeowners to follow a policy that encourages the creation of hedgehog-friendly habitats, providing necessary resources like food, shelter, and "hedgehog highways" to ensure their survival during the mating season.
- As we move towards a sustainable lifestyle, latest fashion trends have incorporated elements of nature, with many people opting for eco-friendly fabrics, recycled fashion accessories, and home-and-garden décor items made from reclaimed materials, aligning with the stylish and environmentally-conscious fashion-and-beauty movement.
