Wildlife - Hérisson devant une vieille porte en bois 

PAINTING CREATED BY THE ANIMAL ARTIST LAURENCE SAUNOIS

 

Hedgehogs have been living in my garden for many years.

The hedgehog is mostly active at night. It feeds mainly on earthworms, snails, insects, ripe fruits... In spring, as well as in autumn, it goes on a food orgy. At the beginning of the summer season, it must restore its strength after a long period of winter fasting. In late autumn, it eats lavishly to build up its reserves and is able to ingest enough food to double its weight.
Every year, a large number of hedgehogs are run over on the roads. If you come across one one day in your garden, it will curl up. Take the time to observe it. After many minutes, feeling that you are not a danger, he will gain confidence and unfold. He will give you a long look, sniff in your direction and quietly continue his way.

In late fall, hedgehogs are looking for places to spend the winter. Almost everything is suitable for them; compost heaps, wood, leaves... I was surprised one day to find a hedgehog in my cellar. He had settled comfortably under a pallet. He had come inside through a hole in the bottom of the old wooden door.

I imagined the moment when the hedgehog was about to seek refuge in an old barn in the Quercy region and I wanted to paint this scene.