As Bonfire Night approaches, there’s often excitement for the celebrations, making the most of this cold & wet time of year. However, these celebrations can pose risks to pets and local wildlife. The loud noises and bright lights often lead to stress and anxiety, making it vital to take precautions.
1. Build your bonfire on the day
Building your bonfire on the same day you intend on lighting it reduces the chance of disturbing any wildlife that may have decided that your log pile is the perfect space to hibernate in!
2. Check the bonfire before lighting
Before lighting, check your potential bonfire thoroughly for any hidden creatures. Use a torch & listen especially for hissing, as this is a sign of distress from hedgehogs.
3. Create alternative shelter
Provide other little homes for your furry friends to shelter, like piles of twigs, logs, or you can simply buy hedgehog houses & other shelters from us!
4. Put the bonfire out properly
Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going back inside. This can prevent not only injury to wildlife, but injury to pets that may end up roaming in your garden as well.
5. Build your bonfire in a clear, open area
Choose a location in your garden that doesn’t disturb the wildlife that may be hibernating – this will also help wildlife and pets with navigation around your garden!
6. Help hibernating hedgehogs
If you’ve been keeping a hedgehog safe elsewhere for the duration of the bonfire, when releasing the hedgehog, make sure it has access to food & water – avoid putting milk out, as this can make them ill.
7. Keep domestic pets safe
Change walk times, keep cats & dogs indoors for the evening & consider moving outdoor pets like guinea pigs and rabbits inside for the night. If this isn’t possible, try to turn them away from the direction the flashes are coming from. You can also drown out the sudden noises by tuning in to ClassicFM who will have a special pets’ classics show from 5pm-9pm on November 5th.