Halloween pumpkin warning over threat to hedgehogs

Pumpkins can instead be offered to farmers or put straight to compost, Cornwall Wildlife Trust says

Wildlife experts have issued a warning about pumpkin disposal and the risk of harm to hedgehogs.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said it was calling for people to be "pumpkin aware" this Halloween.

The trust said: "There is a popular misconception that leaving your pumpkin out for the wildlife is a great way to support nature.

"However this is misleading and can actually lead to harm for hedgehog populations, which are already facing serious declines."

Dumped pumpkins could cause "stomach upsets" in hedgehogs, the trust said

It said dumped pumpkins could cause "stomach upsets" in hedgehogs - leading to dehydration which could be fatal.

"Even if the hog survives, at this time of year any illness threatens their chance of surviving winter hibernation," the trust said.

Pumpkin leftovers could instead go straight into compost, a temporary birdfeeder or farmers might be able to make use of remains, it said.