Wildlife trusts in west Wales have urged people to be on the lookout for hibernating hedgehogs as they prepare for bonfire night celebrations.

The animal prepares for its annual winter sleep at this time of year, and bonfires provide ideal nesting sites.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has asked people to add a "hedgehog check" to their safety procedures before lighting up.

The trust says that taking just a few minutes can make a big difference.

Trust Chief Executive Derek Moore said: "For the sake of a little effort, you can enjoy your bonfire celebration safe in the knowledge that it's only the guy you'll be burning."

The trust recommends following some simple tips to see if any hedgehog is squatting in your bonfire:

• Try to build the bonfire as close to the night as possible, reducing the opportunity for hedgehogs to move in
• Before lighting, search the bonfire with a torch for hibernating creatures
• Move any hedgehogs to a ready-made hedgehog box or somewhere dry and safe away from the fire

Hedgehogs start preparing for hibernation around early November, when temperatures tend to fall, and begin searching for twigs, leaves, and dry grass to build cosy winter nests.

They are seen to be of great value to gardeners because they naturally control populations of slugs and snails.

They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, but the biggest threat to them is a loss of their natural habitat because of changes in farming practices.

The nocturnal creatures can be covered by up to 7,000 spines and uses its strong sense of smell to guide it through the dark.