Don’t let bonfire night turn into a hog roast

November 5 is great fun for humans, but don’t forget to look after pets and check bonfires for hedgehogs, writes DAISY FOX

HE skies will soon be filled with colour, light and noise as we celebrate Bonfire Night. We’ll be writing our names with sparklers, chewing treacle toffee and roasting potatoes in the embers of the bonfire.

Of course, we humans know that, as long as we follow the Fireworks Code, we can have a lot of fun on November 5.

Animals, however, can find this time of year very distressing. Wildlife and pets can be terrified of the sudden flashes and bangs.

There are things we can do to reduce their stress. Keep dogs on a lead and walk them before the displays get under way.

Cats should also be kept indoors. You can help wildlife too. If you are having a bonfire party at home, remember, remember this 5th of November, to check your unlit bonfire for hibernating hedgehogs.

At this time of year, these prickly creatures like nothing more than to going to sleep in warm leaves and twigs. An unlit bonfire might seem an ideal place for a hibernation HQ!

If you have a hedgehog in your garden, avoid feeding it bread and milk. The RSPCA says: “Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits. Specialist hedgehog food can be bought from wildlife food suppliers. Never feed hedgehogs milk. Instead provide plain water in a shallow bowl.”

■ Find the Fireworks Code and lots of other handy advice at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website (rospa.com/ home-safety/advice/ fireworks-safety/).