Hedgehogs are at risk of being burned alive in bonfires, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society says.
The prickly hedgepigs are put at serious risk of death when people start building their bonfires in advance, especially as the mammals begin hibernating in October and November.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is urging people to build bonfires on the day they are to be lit to save hedgehogs and other wildlife from appalling suffering.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS, said “If material is stored on open ground in advance of having a bonfire, it’s crucial to dismantle it and move it to another spot just before lighting.
“Ensure it’s moved to clear ground – never on top of a pile of leaves as there could be a hedgehog underneath, and not too close to pampas grass which can ignite very easily and is another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide under.”
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