She's Spinning Round: Unveiling the Arcane Dance of Love Among Hedgehogs
- PEN BY Annette Berger
- READ IT IN 2 MINS
Hedgehogs exhibiting erratic behavior: stumbling and spinning in present conditions - Hedgehogs inexplicably spinning and darting in circles across the locale.
Summer nights have brought a peculiar sight to our gardens and city parks—hedgehogs performing an intriguing circular dance. Remember the time when we chanced upon a couple of prickly critters on our terrace, oblivious to human presence? Steadily, one of them moved around the other in an unsteady spin. My husband, intrigued by the hapless hedgehog, questioned if it was time for a vet visit. Eventually, we decided to let nature run its course undisturbed.
Lucky for us, we were unwitting spectators to a romantic ballad—dubbed in hushed whispers as the "hedgehog carousel." The enthusiastic suitor, the male hedgehog, circumnavigates the fair lady for hours, hoping to charm her with his timeless dance. At times, he becomes so engrossed that his focus wavers, offering the coy female a chance to scurry away.
Wooing the Lady Hedgehog is No Easy Task
Courting a lady hedgehog isn't for the faint-hearted. These quintessential night owls and twilight dwellers go to extremes during the mating season, essentially losing their sense of time. We've had encounters with two amorous hedgehogs lingering in our garden bed even during the harsh glow of dawn.
However, the fairy-tale romance doesn't last long. Following the evening's amorous interlude, the lovestruck male takes his leave. The fortunate female bears the offspring on her own and nurtures them tenderly.
Right now, newborn hedgehogs are popping up all over Germany, as per the German Wildlife Foundation. Home gardeners must be cautious as hedgehog nests can hide under leafy heaps and piles of rotting wood. Interference with these busy nurturing mothers might cause them to abandon their homes, leaving their young defenseless and likely to perish.
Examining the Cause: Is it Love or Lament?
Be vigilant when witnessing strange behavior from these adorable spiky creatures. Not all staggering performances are a result of love—other risks may be lurking in your garden. Animal protectionists urge caution as lawnmowers and harmful chemicals can pose grave dangers to our furry visitors.
If you stumble upon a solitary, tiny hedgehog in the grass, it's not always an orphan—the caring mother might be visiting. In most cases, it's advisable to give it some space and observe from afar, as the German Wildlife Foundation advises.
It takes around five to six weeks for hedgehogs to grow large enough to break free. Their maturation culminates in sexual maturity following their first winter, preparing them for another round of the "hedgehog carousel."
SOURCES: Press release and guidelines for hedgehog-friendly gardens provided by the German Wildlife Foundation, "Pro-Igel.de", head on over to YouTube to view a real-life demonstration of the "hedgehog carousel"
- Hedgehogs
- Mating Season
- Garden
In light of the charming dance exhibited by hedgehogs, it would be beneficial for community policy to include a section dedicated to reduced usage of lawnmowers and harmful chemicals in home-and-garden spaces, to ensure the safety of these animal residents during the mating season.
As the self-sufficient hedgehog mothers raise their young ones in gardens, it's essential for individuals to participate in vocational training programs that promote proper care and gardening practices for a harmonious home-and-garden lifestyle, ensuring the survival and thriving of these cute creatures.
