Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Hedgehogs...............

I remember at our house on Bidwell Hill we found out we had hedgehogs in our back garden. One night Dad heard a terrible noise out back. Groans like someone in pain, he said. Mr McDonald next door was one for his drink and often came home worse for wear. Dad found him unconcious in the back yard once, apparently he had been in an accident and staggered home falling in the back yard. Dad carried him inside and took care of him. Well.......he suspected this noise had something to do with Charlie Mac........so out he goes with a flashlight, only to find some disgruntled hedgehogs meandering around the lawn looking for worms.


hedgehog

Hedgehogs now are becoming scarce. The cutting down of hedgerows, the roads and dogs all take their toll. Human intrusion upon their habitat has been the worst of all. Hedgehogs and many other animals need their own little highways where they can travel around their territory. Hedges replaced by fences stop that from happening. Many animals like the Fox and Badger will make their own way and can actually thrive around humans. My aunt has a couple of foxes who come to supper every night. At her old house she had a family of Badgers.
The hedgehog is not the same type of animal though.

wild-hedgehog-mats-eriksson

Simple changes to back yards can make a big difference to these small creatures. I know people who have set up places for them to nest and breed. I found this picture of a hedgehog house.
WildAboutNatureHedgehogBasket

Hedgehogs are very prickly...........one day when we were first married Gerry and I went up to Scotland, just into Scotland we didnt have time to go far. Anyway on one country road just on a bend we saw a hedgehog trying to cross the road. Because it was on a bend I figured he needed some help. It would be hard for someone coming the other way to see him. So we stopped and I tried to help him across. He rolled into a ball and was so pokey I could not pick him up. Lucky we had a blanket in the car and I was able to get him with that and put him on the other side of the road............Those spikes are really pokey.
hedgehogsarecute

We don't have hedgehogs in Michigan............but I know that in England and Europe there are organizations that help to save them. There are places to learn all about them and their habitats and how to help them.
http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/
This is just one place. For those who have an interest the web is a great place to start.

6 comments:

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I have never seen a real hedgehog, being from Ohio and all - but they sure are CUTE!

I hope they don't become extinct, that would be heartbreaking for sure.

Very informative and cute post, thanks for sharing this info!

Noelle the dreamer said...

Lovely post Janice! With dogs and donkeys, hedgehogs are my favourite!
I cannot resist their antics! My aunt had one who just ate out of her hand and she named him 'Elvis'!

Antiques And Teacups said...

I dearly love hedgehogs. The family have them in their back gardens and they are such fun to watch. A friend's brother raises them in Massachesetts. They are so cute!
Ruth

NanaDiana said...

I have always thought they were the cutest things. I don't know much about them but there used to be a book series for kids about a family of them...so I was always a bit fond of them. xo Diana

Magic Love Crow said...

These little guys are so cute! Good for you, picking it up with a blanket ;o) Animals and mother nature, need our help!

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Loved this post on hedgehogs, as I think they are the cutest and most delightful lil creatures. I saw a pic someone sent in an email not long ago of a man holding a baby hedgehog,
and he was all rolled up in a ball,
and so darn cute, those tiny lil paws and nose........Adorable.

Also nice to meet you here in blogland......and thanks for your visit for Blissful White Wednesday and sweet comments.
blessings, Nellie