It’s small, discreet, and nearly invisible among the flowers. Yet, its mere presence can stir up a thousand emotions. The hedgehog, this nighttime visitor, never arrives by accident. If you happen to encounter one in your garden, know that this little creature brings with it a message, a sign, or perhaps even the beginning of a silent transformation in your life.

An Increasingly Rare Visitor

The hedgehog, once a familiar sight in our countryside and neighborhoods, is now becoming more elusive. In France alone, it is estimated that a million hedgehogs die each year on the roads. Pollution, pesticides, vanishing hedges, and road traffic all pose significant dangers to them. Though harmless and helpful, the hedgehog is now classified as an endangered and protected species.

It’s worth noting that the hedgehog is a valuable ally to gardeners. A natural helper, it feeds on slugs, worms, snails, and other harmful insects. Its presence ensures a balanced ecosystem in your garden—without the need for chemicals.

Where is it hiding, and how can we welcome it?

Hedgehogs seek quiet, sheltered spaces: a pile of dead leaves, a dense bush, or an old wooden stump. If one chooses to live in your garden, it’s because you’ve provided a safe and peaceful space for it, away from the noise of daily life. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, emerging only at night to explore their territory, which can extend several kilometers each night.

If you want to encourage the hedgehog to stay or return, a few simple actions will help:

• Don’t mow every part of the garden;
• Leave a natural corner with dead leaves or wood piles;
• Avoid using chemicals;
• And most importantly: create a passage between neighboring gardens!

The Hedgehog: An Ancient and Profound Symbol