Of course hedgehogs are nocturnal. But you can observe the little guys not only at night, but also at dusk or even during the day. Usually hedgehogs are then looking for food such as ground beetles, larvae of night butterflies, earwigs, earthworms, snails and centipedes.

Hedgehog, the nocturnal loner

The nocturnal hedgehog is a loner in the animal world. Only in the mating season do you meet the hedgehog in pairs. Did you know that the hedgehog can walk up to 2 kilometers or more at dusk or at night? This sounds amazing, because generally hedgehogs move very slowly. Obstacles up to a height of 20 cm are no problem for the nocturnal hedgehog. He can climb over them.

Hedgehogs usually only nocturnal

If you always encounter a hedgehog during the day, you should take a closer look. Since hedgehogs are nocturnal, a day active animal is always an alarm sign. The hedgehog only looks for food at dusk and at night. An animal that is out during the day is usually ill or injured.

How can you recognize a sick hedgehog?

A nocturnal hedgehog that is out and about in your garden during the day is conspicuous by a staggering gait. This is a sure sign that something is wrong with the animal. Other signs of a sick hedgehog, apart from the strange gait, are a narrow and sunken appearance. In addition, sick animals no longer curl up. Such an animal needs competent help immediately. It is best to contact a vet who knows hedgehogs or a hedgehog rescue center.

Other reasons why hedgehogs are on the move during the day or in winter

The nocturnal hedgehog does not necessarily have to be sick or injured if you find him in your garden outside the usual times. There are a number of other reasons for this:

• The hedgehog has not yet reached its minimum weight of 500 to 600 g at the beginning of its hibernation.
• The Hedgehog has his hibernation not yet started because he keeps eating from the cat's food bowl.
• The hedgehog voluntarily changes his hibernation place.
• His hibernation site was destroyed and he must find a new place to hibernate.
• The hedgehog woke up to urinate.
• Increased temperatures cause the hedgehog to awaken earlier from his hibernation. A late onset of cold or snow then becomes his undoing.

When does the hedgehog's nocturnal period begin?

During the day sleep Hedgehogs in their shelter, which may consist of bushes or is located in the tall grass. As soon as dusk sets in, the little guy becomes active. He goes in search of food.

At the onset of dusk and, of course, at night, you are most likely to observe the hedgehog.

Daytime sleeping place for the nocturnal hedgehog

So that the nocturnal hedgehog can sleep well during the day, you can help him. Make sure that your Garden hedgehog friendly is designed. This means you should leave leaves in a corner. You can also offer him the possibility to hide in a cavity under a pile of wood or under a staircase. If these possibilities are not given in your garden, you can also buy a hedgehog house. These are very gladly accepted by the nocturnal hedgehogs.