Now, let’s talk tracks. Hedgehogs are secretive little creatures, and since they’re nocturnal, you might not always catch them in action. But their footprints? That’s where you become the Sherlock Holmes of the garden.
What Do Hedgehog Tracks Look Like?
Hedgehog footprints are small and star-like in appearance. Each paw has five toes, but you’ll often only see the first four in the print. Their tracks can be about 2.5 to 3 cm wide and 2.5 to 3.5 cm long, with the rear paws often being slightly longer.
When you look closely at hedgehog prints, you’ll notice the distinct toes and claw marks. The front paws leave a more rounded impression, while the hind paws are a little more elongated.
Where to Find Them
Since hedgehogs love a late-night stroll, the best places to look for tracks are near hedges, flower beds, or across lawns. If you’ve got areas of damp soil or you’ve put out food and water, those are prime spots for hedgehog prints to show up. Also, if it’s been raining or there’s dew, their tracks are more likely to be visible in the soft mud or damp grass.
If you’re a real keen bean, you can try the old footprint tunnel trick. Lay out a shallow tray of wet sand, flour, or mud with food in the middle and wait overnight – by morning, you’ll have hedgehog tracks if they’ve been out and about.
How to Tell It's a Hedgehog and Not Something Else
Here’s the kicker: hedgehog tracks can sometimes be confused with other small animals. Fox cubs, rats, and even birds can leave similar prints. The key is to focus on the shape – hedgehog tracks are almost triangular, with visible claw marks at the front, unlike the more elongated prints of rats or the sharper, V-shaped bird tracks.
How to Encourage Hedgehogs to Leave Their Mark
Want more evidence of your hedgehog visitors? Here are a few tips to make your garden a haven for hedgehogs (and yes, maybe even collect more poop and tracks in the process):
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Provide Food and Water: Hedgehogs love cat or dog food (no fish flavour, please), or you can invest in proper hedgehog food. Leave a shallow dish of fresh water, especially in summer.
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Create a Hedgehog Highway: Give them access to and from your garden by cutting small gaps at the base of fences.
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Build a Hedgehog House: Whether it’s a pile of leaves or a purpose-built hedgehog shelter, offering a cosy home can encourage them to settle in.
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Go Easy on the Chemicals: Hedgehogs love snacking on insects and slugs, so avoid slug pellets and other chemicals that might poison their food source.
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Be Mindful of Bonfires and Mowers: Before lighting a bonfire or mowing the lawn, check for hedgehogs – they like to hide in piles of leaves or long grass.
The Final Word on Hedgehog Poop and Tracks
There you have it – everything you never thought you’d need to know about hedgehog poop and tracks! If you’re spotting these little clues, it’s a sign your garden is a hedgehog-friendly zone. And, frankly, it’s worth celebrating. These spiky night-time roamers are vital for keeping pests under control and are becoming increasingly rare, so if they’re choosing to hang out in your garden, you’re doing something right.
So, next time you spot a suspicious black sausage on your lawn or some tiny, star-like footprints, give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve officially joined the ranks of hedgehog enthusiasts. And who wouldn’t want that title?