People planning a bonfire party this week are being asked to look out for hedgehogs hiding under the pile.
Charity The Wildlife Trust says the prickly beasts are in particular danger at this time of the year because they're seeking places to hibernate.
Organisers are being asked not to build bonfires too soon and to search for the little creatures before lighting them.
"To a sleepy hedgehog, a ready made nest like a pile of timber is ideal," said spokeswoman Helen Freeston.
"A newly built bonfire will look like the perfect place to bed down," she explained.
The charity advises people to protect hedgehogs by following these guidelines when building a bonfire:
- Try and build the bonfire as close to the night as possible so there's less chance of a hedgehog moving in
- Make your pile of material next to the bonfire site and re-build the stack before lighting it
- Search the bonfire for hibernating creatures using a torch and rake before starting the fire
- Move any hedgehogs found to a ready made hedgehog box or somewhere dry and safe away from the fire
- Before bonfire night make an alternative hedgehog home by raking up grass cuttings or autumn leaves into a pile a safe distance from the fire. Hopefully sleepy hogs will choose to snooze there instead of the bonfire
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