(Hedge) HOG fight at the OK Corral.

Good morning!   Hope everyone is well?

We were out for the day yesterday and didn't return home until quite late.  I leave food our each night for our little visitors and I was late putting it out in their new covered feeding area ;o)  I also needed to water the tomato plants and hanging baskets, so was busily going about my business when I heard the hedgehog snuffling in the border...I took a peep and she was happily munching on some scattered mealworms I had thrown down.   As I finished I sat in the conservatory with the door open watching as the little dear went into the NEW feeding area * :o)

(All photos are taken with the flash)

(*a lidded plastic storage box with a 4.5inch door cut into the side panel to protect Tiggy and food from predators.)

If you click on the image it will enlarge and you should be able to make Mrs Tiggywinkle out.  Sid can just be seen on the botton right.

She had a good 'chow-down' and came outside for a drink before scuttling off around the garden again.

After quenching her thirst and a quick look around, she came over towards me via the edge of the pond and straight in front of the open door, then ran past Sid only a few inches from her feet and tail and back under the chair.  Sid sat perfectly still - just watchin'.

Then suddenly, the gravel was being scattered everywhere, and very loud snuffling started. WHOOSH! Another, larger 'hog rushed out pushing Mrs T with his nose out to the middle of the open gravelled part!

As you can see Mrs T's defence mechanism clicked in and she curled into a ball.

As fate had it, my camera was switched on and in my hand...

Battle won, the victor trots off to find food and Mrs T remains curled.

Five minutes later, still curled up :o(

Blink, has he gone yet?

I kept watching, but there was no further trouble, and Mrs T seemed just fine :o) AND I'd manged to get Sid back in the house...

This all took place at about midnight.

I think I was really lucky to witness this battle, and even luckier to get photo's!

Who'd a thought it? 

Have a great day whatever you're doing!

Best wishes

** I've just enlarged the third photo to check the post and see the naughty hog's bum under the chair!