As the days get shorter, owners across the UK will be letting their dogs into the garden after dark. A common habit for all of us, but did you know this could be putting wildlife at risk?
Owners have been warned of one particular species to look out for this autumn, who may find the presence of dogs particularly stressful.
Keeping dogs under control
Animal charity British Hedgehogs have warned of the dangers dogs pose to hedgehogs, particularly in the coming months when they are more likely to be rearing their hoglets.
"Keep dogs under control if you know you have hedgehogs in the garden" they warned. "Remember that whilst your dog may be hedgehog-friendly, visitors' dogs may not."
Secret inhabitants
You may not have noticed hedgehogs in your garden, but this doesn't necessarily mean they don't live there.
Night-time snuffling noises, zigzagging marks across topsoil and dark droppings all suggest you may have some prickly secret residents. If in doubt, it's always best to keep your dog on a lead when they go out after dark.
