An Exmouth wildlife group has put out a warning to Exmouth households which get regular visits from the hedgehogs

At this time of year hedgehogs are gearing up for a winter of hibernation but some baby hedgehogs, known as hoglets, are born late in the year and require some help to make it through the winter.

Exmouth Wildlife Group's Jan Gannaway has this advice: "At the end of a warm summer, hedgehogs sometimes produce a family of babies born too late to fatten up in time for hibernation.

"These late summer/autumn hoglets are very unlikely to survive. If you have hoglets visiting your garden that weigh less than 450g, please contact us urgently for advice. We can put you in touch with a hedgehog carer who can help.

"Rescuing hedgehogs weighing more than 500g is unnecessary so long as adequate food is available."

Here's a checklist of advice from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society:

1. No specific weight will guarantee survival.
2. Those hibernating at less than 450g will probably not survive (although some occasionally do).
3. Greater weight may enhance survival chances, but there is no evidence of this.
4. They can, and many do, survive winter weighing less than 600g (eg 52% of juveniles)
5. They should normally be rescued at weights less than 450g in October - February (depending on

weather, frequency at feeding stations, etc)

1. Rescue at 500+ g is unnecessary based on weight alone at any time of the year. (weight irrelevant if out during day unnecessarily or appears ill or injured).
2. "Rescue" at weights above 600g based on weight alone is counterproductive and strongly

discouraged. Bringing a healthy hedgehog into rescue is stressful for the hedgehog, and parasite

burdens are amplified causing serious problems for the animal. Also there are risks involved with

being in close proximity to other hedgehogs with possible contagious conditions.

1. If a hedgehog is out during the day or appears ill or injured in any way it should be brought into care regardless of weight. (NOTE: This advice is regarding Autumn hedgehogs - there is an exception to the 'Out During Day' rule if it is a female hedgehog nest building during breeding season or taking a break from the nest. These will be adult hedgehogs and move with purpose, out for short spells at a time).

For more information on looking after the hedgehogs visiting your garden click the red button below.