A Castlebar councillor has called for the public to stop leaving old pumpkins at Lough Lannagh in order to protect hedgehogs.
Cllr Donna Sheridan told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that the practice should end. Cllr Sheridan said discarded pumpkins had been thrown around the scenic area after being left there.
She said she understands that people leave them there for birds to feed on but warned they can be toxic for hedgehogs.
“It can lead to dehydration when they hibernate,” Cllr Sheridan explained, adding that ingesting pumpkins can be harmful and even fatal for the spiky creatures.
