So, you’re out in the garden, minding your own business, when you come across something suspicious—hedgehog poop! Or perhaps you’ve noticed some mysterious tracks around the flower beds and want to know who’s been paying you a late-night visit. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the delightful world of hedgehog poop and tracks, shall we? Because yes, even their droppings can be fascinating (in a weird way).
Hedgehog Poop: A Delight for Detectives
Now, I know what you’re thinking. "Why on Earth would I want to know about hedgehog poop?" Well, if you’ve got hedgehogs in your garden, spotting their droppings is a good sign that these adorable, spiky little roamers are hanging about, helping keep those pesky bugs under control. Here’s what you need to know to identify their calling cards:
Size and Shape
Hedgehog poop is surprisingly distinctive. It’s usually about 2.5 to 5 cm long (about the size of a small sausage) and often shaped like a cylinder with a tapered end. If it looks a bit like a shiny, blackish sausage, congrats – you’ve just found hedgehog poo!
Colour and Consistency
Hedgehogs are carnivorous little critters, so their droppings reflect their diet. Their poop is typically dark brown or black, and the texture is relatively firm, but it can have a glossy, slimy sheen (lovely, I know). You might notice bits of insect exoskeletons or beetle wings in the poo – that’s because these little foragers love a good beetle feast.
What to avoid? If you find droppings that are particularly loose or watery, it could indicate the hedgehog is unwell, and you might want to contact a local wildlife rescue for advice.
Where to Spot It
Hedgehogs aren’t picky about where they do their business, but you’re most likely to find their droppings near hedges, borders, or on their well-trodden routes between gardens (because they love a good wander). Check along fences, garden paths, or near food and water sources you may have left out.