Don’t give hedgehogs a fright this Hallowe'en

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Greenspace team is asking residents to ensure our prickly friends don’t get a fright this Hallowe'en season.

Animal charities say the orange pulp can give hedgehogs diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration - a life-threatening situation.

The gardener's spiky friend has recently been added to the UK red list as a species vulnerable to extinction.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “We are aware many people will be leaving out used pumpkin lanterns after Hallowe’en is over, so other animals such as birds and squirrels can feed on them.

“Please can we ask that pumpkins are put somewhere off the ground, out of the reach of hedgehogs but where other wildlife can enjoy them.

“In previous years our teams have also seen a large number of pumpkin lanterns left as food for wildlife in our parks or open spaces.  Unfortunately, they just rot, smell awful and pose a risk to hedgehogs.  Please don’t do this, help us to keep hedgehogs safe and our beautiful borough.  Thank you.”