The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has issued a warning about the risks faced by hedgehogs during bonfire season. The Society is asking those planning a bonfire to Stop, Move, and Check. Stop refers to stopping to ask oneself: "Do I need to have a bonfire this year?", with the Society pointing out that community events could be attended instead, or the season marked in a wildlife-friendlier way.
Move refers to building a bonfire on the same day it will be lit, and to moving all accumulated materials to a new site before lighting - to dislodge any wildlife or pets that have taken refuge in the pile. Check refers to checking the bonfire pile before lighting for wildlife, which might include shining a torch inside the pile while gently lifting each section with a pole or broom (a spade or fork shouldn't be used in case an animal is accidentally hit). A hedgehog might make a telltale "huffing sound" when it has been disturbed.
Hedgehogs that are found should be gathered up with their nest and placed in a high-sided cardboard box that has air holes, with newspaper, towelling, or straw for bedding. Gardening gloves or a folded towel can be used to handle a hedgehog - it keeps them calm and avoids spreading the human scent onto them. The box should be put somewhere safe and quiet, and perhaps fed some meaty cat or dog food as well as water.
After the bonfire festivities are done, hedgehogs should be released under a hedge or bush or behind a stack of logs near where they were.
