If you encounter a hedgehog in your garden in early spring, don’t hurt it!

Hedgehogs are nature’s little gardeners. They are the ones who quietly, unnoticed, help us keep our gardens healthy and balanced. Their nocturnal wanderings consume a lot of harmful insects, snails and caterpillars, which is a natural way to protect your plants.

Unfortunately, many hedgehogs emerge in early spring, when the nights are still cold and food is scarce. It is especially important not to disturb them, try to chase them away, or take them somewhere else. If you find one in your garden, consider it a guest — a useful, friendly guest!

What you can do for them:

Don’t light a fire before checking through piles of leaves – they often overwinter there!

Leave some water and some cat food (not milk!) out.

Don’t use toxic chemicals in the garden.

If you see a small, weak, or injured hedgehog, contact local animal rescue.

These tiny creatures are not only useful, but also worthy of love. Let’s help them live in peace in our gardens.