Unexpected Sighting: Why Hedgehogs Seem Confused & Keep Circling
- PENNED BY ANNETTE BERGER
- READING TIME: APPROX. 2 MINS
Hedgehogs exhibiting unusual behavior, such as stumbling and running in circles. - Curious Incident of Spinning Hedgehogs in Local Vicinity, Darting in Circular Patterns
Been noticing hedgehogs moving in odd circles lately? As we enjoy the warm summer evenings, this peculiar behavior can sometimes be spotted in our backyards or parks.
Remember that time at my house a few years ago? A couple of hedgehogs ambled casually onto our terrace one night, seemingly undisturbed by humans. One spiny critter orbited the other in slightly unsteady motions. My husband speculated if our hedgehog colleague with balance issues required a visit to the vet. We agreed to keep our distance and let nature take its course.
Turns out, we were in for a romantic surprise – we'd unwittingly stumbled upon a love story: A unique ritual in the hedgehog community, appropriately called the "hedgehog carousel," was taking place. Males circle around females who initially resist, raising their spines and hissing. On occasion, males get so caught up in their circular dance that the females seize the chance to get away.
Male Hedgehogs Going the Extra Mile
Male hedgehogs have to work hard to eventually win a female's affections. Remarkably, during the mating season, these nocturnal animals tend to lose track of time. We've had two hedgehogs nestled in our flowerbed the following morning, still smitten, even as daylight broke.
The passion doesn't last forever: After the deed, male hedgehogs move on while the female raises her offspring alone. As we speak, the first baby hedgehogs are being born across Germany. The German Wildlife Foundation reminds us that their nests may be found where leaf piles and dead wood reside – so gardeners should tread lightly or postpone activities in these areas to avoid disturbing protective mothers.
Is the Hedgehog in Love or in Trouble?
It's important to observe closely when hedgehogs behave strangely. Not every "zigzagging" is due to love. Animal protectors caution that hedgehogs face numerous hazards in our backyards, including lawnmowers and harmful substances.
If you find a small hedgehog alone in the grass, it's not necessarily an orphan – it may simply be being tended to by its mother. In most cases, you should resist the urge to intervene and wait to see what transpires.
It takes five to six weeks for hedgehogs to mature enough to set off on their own, after which they reach sexual maturity during the following winter and become ready for the next round of "hedgehog carousel."
Insights:
- A "hedgehog carousel" is not a scientifically documented name for a hedgehog's mating ritual, but refers to a unique courtship behavior exhibited by male hedgehogs circling around females during the mating season
- Hedgehogs are at risk in gardens due to potential hazards like lawnmowers or harmful substances, so it's essential to take care when gardening in areas where hedgehogs may reside
WATCH THE VIDEO: The organization Wildtiere OWL draws attention to a sadly common, yet dangerous issue involving garden animals: Many are injured or killed by lawnmowers.
HedgehogsMating SeasonGarden
In the heart of the mating season, male hedgehogs engage in a romantic dance known as the "hedgehog carousel," circling their potential partners in a unique courtship ritual. Meanwhile, the trendy and beautiful community could learn a thing or two from these charming creatures' dedication during their fashion-and-beauty makeup tutorials, applying various techniques for flawlesslifstyle looks. On the other hand, home-and-garden enthusiasts should remember that their vocational training includes being cautious around hedgehogs found in gardens during the nesting period to avoid harming the mother and her offspring.
