How you can help wildlife emerging from hibernation

Households are being told what they can do to help wildlife as spring arrives, with many animals waking from hibernation hungry and weak.

Ecologists from Arbtech have shared their expertise on ways that people can help to ensure animals have a smooth transition back into the active months.

As the days start to get warmer and longer, wildlife that have spent the winter months in hibernation will soon be starting to emerge.

But after spending months conserving energy with little to no food, wildlife can often emerge from hibernation weak and vulnerable.

There are ways to help vulnerable wildlife to adjust safely such as leaving out suitable food and water, minimising any potential hazards and contacting local wildlife rescue groups.

Andrew Ward from Arbtech said: “Emerging from hibernation can be a stressful time for animals and a time where they are at their weakest.

“But there are ways that you can help wildlife to emerge into a safe, hazard-free environment.

“A small act of kindness, like leaving out fresh water or ensuring a safe garden, can make all the difference to a struggling hedgehog or bird.

“There may be occasions where you find animals injured or in distress, but fortunately there are many local wildlife rescue groups around the UK that you should contact for help or advice.”

How you can help wildlife emerging from hibernation:

Provide food and water

Wildlife often emerge from hibernation weak and hungry after conserving energy throughout the winter months with little to no food. You can leave out high-energy foods like seeds for birds, while specially formulated hedgehog food can be left out for hedgehogs. Having fresh water available in a birdbath or shallow dishes around your garden can also be essential.

Create a safe habitat

Piles of leaves and log piles provide the perfect shelter for hibernating hedgehogs and other mammals. If you have any around your garden it is best to leave these areas undisturbed until you are sure there are no animals hibernating. If you’re the owner of a pond, making sure it is clean and easily accessible for emerging amphibians will help them to exit and enter the water. Adding something like a plank of wood to act as a ramp can also be beneficial for wildlife such as hedgehogs, should they find themselves trapped in your pond.

Minimise hazards

Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden as these can harm emerging wildlife by contaminating insects, worms, and other small creatures that these animals rely on after waking up. Direct exposure during hibernation can also cause damage to skin, lungs and nervous systems in animals. If you need to control pests you should look to use natural pest control methods instead.

Contact wildlife rescue groups

Unfortunately, there could be instances where an animal emerging from hibernation finds itself in distress. You may find an underweight or weak hedgehog, injured animals, or a bat struggling to fly. Fortunately, there are local wildlife rescue groups and vets who specialise in wild animals. If you find an animal you think needs assistance, contact your local wildlife rescue groups for help or advice.