Got a Hedgehog Problem? Here's What You Need to Know About Their Bizarre Mating Rituals
- by Annette Berger
- Approx 2 mins
Hedgehogs are presently observed to wobble and run in circles. - Hedgehogs evidently engaging in spins and running circles in the vicinity.
Ever come across a peculiar sight in your garden at night, with hedgehogs seemingly conducting a ballet of sorts? Well, you're not alone. With summer descending, these curious scenes might become more frequent.
Take our incident a few years ago - two hedgehogs on our terrace, seemingly undisturbed by our presence. One hedgehog was in a whirl, circling around the other in an unsteady fashion. My husband wondered if the rotating one might have a health issue, warranting a vet visit. However, deciding to leave them be was the right choice, as we'd unknowingly stumbled upon a romantic interlude: what's known as the "hedgehog carousel" – a riveting spectacle, especially when you're unaware of its purpose!
It's all About Wooing - and Dancing, Apparently
The male hedgehog in this tango seems to have eyes only for the female. For hours, he circles her, while she's initially not very keen. Raising her spines and hissing, she's clearly not in the mood for romance. But the persistent swirler may just be so caught up in his dance that she seizes the opportunity to escape!
The Wooer's Efforts Are Well Worth It... for a While
Male hedgehogs put in a massive effort during the mating season to reel in their ladies. These usually nocturnal creatures lose track of time during their amorous pursuit, making for some comical morning sights in the garden. Alas, once the deed is done, the suitor gallantly moves on, leaving the exhausted damsel to take care of the offspring alone.
As we speak, baby hedgehogs are popping up all over Germany, according to the German Wildlife Foundation. So, gardeners beware! Keep an eye out for potential hedgehog nests among leaf piles and dead wood. If you must garden, do so carefully, or temporarily avoid the area to avoid disturbing the mother hedgehog, who might abandon her nest, leaving the little ones to fend for themselves.
So, Is That Hedgehog in Love or in Trouble?
If you've noticed a hedgehog behaving strangely, is it all love, or could there be a problem? Keep in mind that hedgehogs in gardens face numerous threats, such as lawnmowers and toxins. If you see little hedgehogs alone in the grass, they may not be orphans, but instead waiting for their mother's return, even in broad daylight. Generally, it's best to leave them undisturbed and observe their behavior.
In about five to six weeks, baby hedgehogs will reach maturity, become sexually active after their first winter, and then be ready to re-enter the hedgehog dating scene.
Please consult:* Press release and guidelines for hedgehog-friendly gardens of the German Wildlife Foundation* Pro-Igel.de* YouTube video featuring the Wildtiere OWL association, highlighting the dangers of lawnmowers to garden animals
Hedgehogs* Mating season* Garden* Safety precautions
- In the pursuit of creating a harmonious and safe community, let's advocate for policies that consider the well-being of native wildlife, such as hedgehogs, and ensure their habitats are preserved in our home-and-garden spaces. Vocational training programs could be organized to educate gardeners on the importance of sustainable practices and the instruments they can use to coexist peacefully with these creatures.
- With the arrival of maturity, hedgehogs become active participants in the mating season, which showcases an array of fashion-and-beauty traits, as well as an engaging dance-like behavior. Furthermore, this season presents an opportunity for vocational training in wildlife conservation, where individuals can learn more about these details, dedicating their skills to protect and nurture these creatures within our lifestyle settings.
