Wildlife experts are warning households to move their bonfires before lighting them, because hedgehogs nesting underneath will not run away from danger, making the fires potentially deadly.
With Bonfire Night approaching on November 5, many Brits are preparing to celebrate with fireworks, sparklers, treacle toffee and bonfires. However, experts at Hedgehog Cabin, which runs a hedgehog hospital and rescue centre, have issued a warning to anyone building their own bonfire in their back garden.
Why bonfires are dangerous for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs use leaf and wood piles for cover at this time of year, say the experts. Simply sticking a broom through a leaf pile or bonfire is not enough, because hedgehogs do not run away when discovered. The only safe option when building a bonfire is to actively pick it up and move it.
Hedgehog Cabin explains: "So many otherwise trusted sites are posting deadly misinformation about bonfires, and hedgehogs who may be nesting under them.
"PLEASE BE CLEAR: Poking a broom or stick under the bonfire will do nothing - even if you actually hit the hiding hedgehog and hurt her, she will NOT run.
"Hedgehogs DO NOT have the flight or fight reflex that humans and other animals have. Their response to threat and danger, and even pain, is to curl into a ball and stay put, and wait for the danger to pass.
"A hiding hedgehog will NOT hiss, or make any sound at all! They are a prey animal, you are a predator - they will NOT alert a predator to their presence, they will stay silent.
"Lighting the bonfire from one side will NOT WORK. Their response to danger is to STAY PUT AND CURL INTO A PROTECTIVE BALL. They won't come running out. As the heat comes closer and the smoke fills her lungs, a hiding hedgehog will just curl tighter.
"Whoever wrote these 'tips' does not understand the nature of a hedgehog. THEY DO NOT RUN FROM DANGER.
"Broadcasting this total nonsense is spreading a false sense of security and is potentially extremely harmful.
Safe bonfire advice
The only safe bonfire is one that is built or moved on the day it is lit, according to Hedgehog Cabin. Moving a bonfire takes less time than you'd think.
"There are lots of late-born baby hedgehogs around right now, who would see a bonfire as a safe place to nest," the experts add. "Regrets won't turn back the clock. The 'If only' will haunt you for a lifetime.
"If you have to have a bonfire, please make sure you do it right."
