The hedgehog is a small mammal that lives in rural and suburban areas, where it finds shelter and food. They are nocturnal, coming out of hiding at dusk to hunt insects, slugs, snails and small rodents. The hedgehog is a precious auxiliary for the gardener, regulating pest populations and contributing to biodiversity. But how do you know if you’re lucky enough to have a hedgehog in your garden? What are the signs of its presence? How can you recognize its droppings and what are they used for? Here are some answers.
How can you tell if there’s a hedgehog in your garden?
Hedgehogs are discreet, timid animals that don’t like to be disturbed. So it’s hard to spot one directly, unless you’re out at night with a flashlight. But there are other ways of detecting its presence, by observing the tracks it leaves behind. These traces include
- Footprints: hedgehogs have short legs and clawed toes. Their footprints resemble little five-fingered hands, measuring around 2.5 to 3 cm wide. They can be spotted on damp or loose ground, such as earth, sand or mud.
- Hair: the hedgehog has brown hair on its belly and muzzle, and quills on its back and flanks. Its hairs can break off when it rubs against objects or plants. They can be found clinging to branches, wire mesh or fences.
- Meal remains: hedgehogs are carnivores, feeding mainly on invertebrates. They may leave the remains of their prey, such as snail shells, beetle carapaces or butterfly wings. You may also find fruit or berries they’ve nibbled on.
- Droppings: hedgehogs generally defecate far from their nests, on their territory or in places where they pass through. Their droppings are therefore an easy clue to confirm their presence.
Where does a hedgehog hide in the garden?
Hedgehogs like to hide in dark, dry, isolated places. They seek shelter to rest during the day, but also to hibernate in winter or give birth in spring. In a garden, it can find several types of hiding place, such as :
- A pile of dead leaves, branches or compost: the hedgehog appreciates these piles of vegetation, which offer thermal and acoustic protection. They can build a cosy nest with dry grass or moss.
- A dense hedge, scrub or bush: hedgehogs like to crawl under these bushy plants, which provide them with plant cover and discretion from predators.
- A hole under a stump, stone or wall: hedgehogs sometimes take advantage of cavities dug by other animals, such as rabbits or foxes. They can also get under the foundations of a house or shed.
- A hedgehog hut: this is a small wooden house that you can build yourself or buy off the shelf. It should be placed in a quiet, shady spot in the garden, sheltered from wind and weather. It should be lined with natural materials such as hay, straw or leaves.
How to recognize hedgehog droppings?
Hedgehog droppings are easy to identify, as they have very specific characteristics. Here’s how to recognize it:
- Shape: hedgehog droppings are shaped like a small cylinder, more or less long and thick, depending on the size of the animal. It often has pointed or rounded ends.
- Color: hedgehog droppings are dark in color, ranging from brown to black. It may appear shiny, due to the presence of insect exoskeletons in the hedgehog’s diet.
- Texture: hedgehog droppings are generally smooth and dry, but can vary according to content. It may be rougher or softer if the hedgehog has eaten fruit, berries or earthworms.
- Odor: hedgehog droppings don’t have a very strong odor, but they can give off a slight musky or earthy smell.
Dangers of hedgehog droppings
Hedgehog droppings are not dangerous in themselves, but they can present certain health risks if handled carelessly. Hedgehog droppings may contain parasites or bacteria that can be transmitted to humans or pets. These pathogens include :
- Intestinal worms: hedgehogs can carry roundworms (nematodes) or flatworms (cestodes) that live in their digestive tract. These worms can be excreted in droppings and contaminate soil or water. If a human or animal ingests these worm eggs, it can develop intestinal parasitosis, manifested by digestive disorders, weight loss or anemia.
- Salmonella: hedgehogs can be carriers of Salmonella bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne infections in humans. These bacteria can be present in droppings and transmitted by direct or indirect contact. If a human or animal ingests these bacteria, it can develop salmonellosis, manifested by diarrhea, vomiting, fever or abdominal pain.
- Clostridium: hedgehogs can be carriers of a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which produces a very dangerous toxin called botulism. This bacterium can be present in droppings and thrive in anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions. If a human or animal ingests this toxin, it can develop botulism, which manifests itself as progressive muscle paralysis.
To avoid these health risks, it is advisable to observe a few rules of hygiene:
- Do not touch hedgehog droppings with bare hands. Use disposable gloves or a shovel to pick them up and dispose of them in the garbage can.
- Don’t let children or pets play with hedgehog droppings. Keep them away from areas where they are present, and teach them to wash their hands after going out in the garden.
- Do not use hedgehog droppings as fertilizer for your vegetable garden. Instead, use mature compost or well-decomposed manure.
- Do not eat fruit or vegetables that have come into contact with hedgehog droppings. Wash them thoroughly in clean water before eating.
Differences between hedgehog and rat droppings
Hedgehog droppings can sometimes be confused with rat droppings, which are also small mammals that can be found in gardens. However, there are some notable differences between the two types of droppings that help to distinguish them:
- Size: rat droppings are smaller than hedgehog droppings. They are around 1 to 1.5 cm long, while hedgehog droppings are 2 to 2.5 cm long.
- Shape: rat droppings are shaped like a grain of rice, more or less curved depending on the species. They often have pointed or tapered ends.
- Color: rat droppings are black or dark brown. They may appear shiny, due to the presence of urine or fat in the rat’s diet.
- Texture: rat droppings are generally hard and dry, but can vary according to content. They may be softer or stickier if the rat has eaten fruit, cereals or garbage.
- Odor: rat droppings have a strong, unpleasant odor that can linger for a long time. They smell of ammonia or musk.
Why are hedgehogs good for the garden?
The hedgehog is an animal that provides many services to the gardener, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. Here are just a few reasons why hedgehogs are beneficial in the garden:
- It regulates pest populations, such as slugs, snails, insects and small rodents. Hedgehogs can consume up to 200 g of prey per night, which represents around 10% of their body weight. This limits damage to plants and crops.
- They help pollination by carrying pollen on their hairs or quills. In this way, they contribute to flower reproduction and fruit production.
- They enrich the soil by adding organic matter with their droppings. This promotes soil fertility and the development of micro-organisms.
- They create habitats by digging galleries or using piles of leaves or branches. Hedgehogs also provide shelter for other animals, such as birds, reptiles and amphibians.
How to encourage the presence of hedgehogs in your garden
To attract and encourage the presence of hedgehogs in your garden, it’s crucial to create a safe, welcoming environment for these small mammals. Here are a few practical tips to help you achieve this:
- Plant fruit trees and shrubs: Hedgehogs are particularly fond of fruit and berries. By planting trees and shrubs that produce these foods, you offer them a natural and attractive food source.
- Create resting places and shelters: Hedgehogs like to hide in dark, quiet places. You can create piles of leaves, branches or compost, or plant dense bushes to provide comfortable hiding places.
- Avoid pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals can be harmful to hedgehogs and their diet. Choose natural gardening methods to protect hedgehogs and their environment.
- Leave wild areas: Hedgehogs like to explore tall grass and bushes. By leaving certain parts of your garden a little wild and untended, you offer them an ideal playground and hunting ground.
By following these tips, you can create a hedgehog-friendly garden and encourage their presence, thus contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of your green space.
Hedgehog droppings: an indicator of ecosystem health
Hedgehog droppings are not only indicators of their presence, they can also reveal a great deal about the health of your garden’s ecosystem. Here’s why:
- Biodiversity indicator: The presence of hedgehog droppings in your garden means that your green space is home to a variety of species, including the insects and small animals that hedgehogs feed on. This indicates a rich and diverse ecosystem.
- Regulating insect populations: Hedgehogs play a crucial role in regulating insect and small animal populations. By finding their droppings, you can be sure that these animals are actively helping to maintain your garden’s ecological balance.
- Garden health: A garden where hedgehogs feel at home is generally a healthy garden. Hedgehog droppings enrich the soil with organic matter, promoting fertility and plant growth.
In short, hedgehog droppings are not only signs of their presence, but also valuable indicators of the health and biodiversity of your garden. By observing these clues, you can better understand and appreciate the importance of these small mammals in your ecosystem.
