Truth behind hedgehog myths

The public and wildlife conservationists alike have a soft spot for hedgehog.

But, there are a number of myths that have developed over the years that could be hampering efforts to increase their numbers.

Now, wildlife charities the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) want to debunk the top five common myths surrounding them in a bid to halt their declining numbers.

Myth 1: There is more than one species of hedgehog native to Britain. Wrong – the West European hedgehog is Britain’s only native hedgehog.

Myth 2: There were 30m hedgehogs in Britain in the 1950s. The truth is no one knew the real number then or now.

Myth 3: British hedgehogs are threatened with extinction. Though population trends show a continuing decline, it is unlikely that this will eventually result in hedgehog extinction.

Myth 4: Hedgehogs should be fed bread and milk. NO. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and milk can cause diarrhoea and bread is not good for them. Leave them water instead.

Myth 5: Hedgehogs transmit fleas to pets. They don’t.

See www.hedgehogstreet.org