Celebrated every February 2, National Hedgehog Day focuses on protecting these wild animals, which are now endangered in the UK.

This day actually started as an ancient Roman tradition that inspired the modern Groundhog Day in America. Hedgehogs hibernate over winter, so people believed that seeing a hedgehog in early February meant spring was coming, while its absence meant winter would drag on.

As natural pest controllers, they are vital for gardens, so experts encourage building log piles or having a hedgehog house in your garden, leaving shallow dishes of water out, and creating safe passage by having a small hole in your fence.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, and can roam 1 to 3 km a night to find food and mates, often using gaps in fences to travel between gardens. If you spot one out during the day, it is likely hungry, sick, or injured. If you are concerned about a hedgehog you've found, check our Wildlife Advice page.

Interesting fact: A group of hedgehogs is called "a prickle".