Have you noticed small dark droppings in your garden and wondering who the author is? It could well be that a hedgehog comes to visit you at night! To be sure without disturbing him, here 5 simple tips To recognize hedgehog droppings and confirm its presence.
Understand what hedgehogs look like
Before trying to identify the Night animal droppings, you have to know what to expect! Those of the hedgehog are quite recognizable once we know their particularities. They are elongated, cylindrical and generally measure Between 3 and 5 centimeters long for approximately 1 centimeter in diameter.
Their color is dark, often Black or very dark brown, with an aspect brilliant. This reflection comes from Undigested insect fragments (wings, shells, legs) contained in their excrement. By observing them closely (with gloves, of course) you can even see tiny chitinous pieces.
The consistency Is firm when they are fresh, then they harden as they dry. On the other hand, they do not crash like those of bats or rodents: they maintain a certain solidity.
In short, if you find dark, elongated, shiny and rich droppings of insects, there is a good chance that a hedgehog will walk in your garden!
5 tips to easily recognize them
Tip #1 – Observe location
The Place where the droppings are located is often the first clue to recognize those of a hedgehog. These small nocturnal mammals move a lot at night and leave their marks all over their path.
You will often find them:
- on the lawn or along the aisles,
- Nearly one pile of leaves, of one garden shed or a pile of wood,
- near a water point or a mess tin If you feed the hedgehogs.
Contrary to cats, they do not bury their droppings, and unlike rats or mice, they do not deposit them in corners or near food.
If you notice several spaced droppings but in the same area, this may indicate The regular passage of the same hedgehog, faithful to its territory.
Tip #2 – Pay attention to smell
Smell is another useful clue. Hedgehog droppings have A fairly discreet smell, sometimes Earthy or slightly musky, but never strong or spicy.
This is what distinguishes them from those of carnivores such as cat or fox, often much more fragrant, or rodents, which exude a Ammonia smell well recognizable.
If the smell is light and the droppings are dark, firm and shiny, you are probably in the presence of guano… hedgehog!
Safety tip: Do not get too close to your nose and avoid handling them without gloves; Even if the risk is low, it is better to remain cautious.
Tip #3 – Examine shape and color
Hedgehog droppings are rather easy to recognize Once you get used to it. Their shape is cylindrical, sometimes slightly curved and flattened at one end. they measure approximately 3 to 5 centimeters long and have a diameter of about 1 centimeter.
On the color side, they are generally black or very dark brown, but can shoot the greenish If the hedgehog has eaten a lot of insects or fruits. When they are fresh, they are Bright and slightly damp ; As they dry, they become matte and hard.
Observation tip: If you see small golden or shiny reflections, it is often pieces of insect shells, a typical sign of the hedgehog diet.
Tip #4 – Analyze content
The contents of the droppings are an excellent clue to confirm that it is indeed a hedgehog.
With some gloves or a stick, you can examine dry poop: you will often see Insect fragments, of shells, sometimes even leftover worms or fruit.
The hedgehog being a Opportunistic omnivore, its droppings perfectly reflect what it eats: insects, snails, slugs, berries, kibble left outside, etc.
On the other hand, if you find hair or bones, it is probably not a hedgehog, but rather a carnivorous animal.
Tip n°5 – Crossing the clues and observing the surroundings
The best way to be sure is to Cross several observations :
- location (lawn, shelter, passage area),
- shape and size (long, cylindrical, about 3-5 cm),
- color (black to dark brown),
- The contents (fragments of insects).
But don’t stop at the droppings! Also look at the Other signs of presence : Small trails in the grass, sounds of sniffing or grunt at night, bowl moved or leftovers of food nibbled.
If everything agrees, it’s a safe bet that a Hedgehog regularly visits your garden. And this is great news: this little animal is a Natural ally against slugs and pests !
Discover more from Animaux de compagnie : conseils santé, alimentation et bien-être – Guide des Animaux
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