Twig’s Midnight Feast

Twig’s Midnight Feast

By Ami Bogin

NARRATOR:
Berlin, autumn.
Dusk draws the carefree humans of the city to the parks to celebrate the lingering warmth of summer while another more unusual creature must make a perilous journey.

They live among us, largely unseen.

A creature preparing to hunt.

To hunt for their life.

Erinaceus europaeus, the European hedgehog, there she is now!

See how she uses her powerful nose and hearing to take in her surroundings.

NARRATOR:
Watch as she–
TWIG:
Sorry, no time to chat!
NARRATOR:
…Oh

NARRATOR:
Ahem. This young hedgehog is in a hurry tonight because it’s almost time for hibernation.

NARRATOR:
The weight she puts on in these autumn days will ensure she can sleep all winter long.
TWIG (SFX):
CRNCH!

NARRATOR:
In one night, this exquisite creature can run up to –
TWIG:
I have a name you know.
NARRATOR:
Oh I… Then what’s your name?
TWIG:
You may find it difficult.
NARRATOR:
Try me.

TWIG:
Okay, it’s…
Fssh
h-sha-ffrrr-fah!
NARRATOR:
It’s nice to meet you uhm Fish-shar—
TWIG:
Just call me Twig.
TWIG (SFX):
CRNCH!!

NARRATOR:
Look here – a charitable human friend cut a path to their garden for our little Twig.

Why, she’s even got her own pond!

TWIG:
See, the humans in this house are thanking me for a job well done.
NARRATOR:
You… Work for them?
TWIG:
I hunt all the pests in their garden!
The most delicious ones are the ones that eat up their pretty plants.

TWIG:
Mmm
TWIG (SFX): SCHLOP
TWIG:
So, you see, that’s why they make sure to keep a path for me and some water too!

NARRATOR:
But it appears that not all gardeners are so accommodating… Watch out for the mower Twig!
TWIG:
Hmm… I reckon I can fit under this.
TWIG:
Almost there!
TWIG (SFX):
Scrabble skitter!

NARRATOR:
Phew, she made it!
TWIG:
Oopala!
(SFX):
SPLAT!
NARRATOR:
And, in fact, these erm… elegant urban critters are in need of some help.
TWIG:
*sigh*
I suppose I’ll not visit that garden again!
NARRATOR:
For though their spikes can protect them from most predators, a night in the city is still full of dangers.
TWIG:
GASP!
NARRATOR:
Automated mowers, pesticides, tall kerbs, and fences… There are many troubles for a young hedgehog.
TWIG:
What do we have here!

NARRATOR:
And here’s another bit of trouble…
TWIG:
Aha, delicious junk food!
(SFX):
scoot!
TWIG:
Mmm!

NARRATOR:
Uh-oh.
TWIG:
Yummy! Oh. OH!

TWIG:
Uh-oh is right!

NARRATOR:
Oh dear.
TWIG:
Ahhhhhhhh!!! HELP!!! HEEEEEEELP!!!

NARRATOR:
Phew. A couple of observant passersby helped out.
TWIG:
I find humans aren’t all that bad!
TWIG:
And human snacks are great, but what I’m after most is out here in nature.

TWIG:
Bugs!

TWIG:
Worms!

TWIG:
Maggots!

TWIG:
Tonight has been a veritable feast.
It’s about time for bed.
NARRATOR:
Well done, Twig!

NARRATOR:
Oh no! Watch out little Twig, it’s a car!

TWIG:
Don’t worry, I’ve got this.

TWIG:
Tada!
NARRATOR:
But Twig–!!!
TWIG:
Now I make scary sounds, watch!
TWIG (SFX):
Fshh! Shh! Shk!
NARRATOR:
AHHHH!!!

TWIG (SFX):
Fshhg!! Sch!
NARRATOR:
…
TWIG:
See? It works every time.
NARRATOR:
Oh, Twig…

TWIG:
Are you worried about me?
NARRATOR:
Well, it does seem like there’s a lot of obstacles in the life of a city hedgehog.
TWIG:
But I love living in the city!

TWIG:
There’s a cold snap to the air tonight.
TWIG:
I’m getting sleepy, ready for the BIG sleep!
NARRATOR:
Oh no!

TWIG:
Not THAT one
NARRATOR:
Ah, you mean hibernation. NARRATOR:
That’s right, when the days get colder, it’s time to bundle up with leaves and brambles.

NARRATOR:
Sweet dreams Twig, may you have a peaceful winter.

And see you again in the spring.

We are lucky to be sharing our gardens and parks with you.

Twig’s Dream Neighbourhood
Changes you can make to help our hedgehog pals!

CHECKLIST:
☐ Fences and walls have a 13 x 13 cm gap or hole
☐ Freshwater dish or pool with gentle slope
☐ (Community) Compost
☐ Shaft/stairs/wells covered
☐ Wildflowers
☐ Wood or stone pile
☐ Dense, wild hedges & bushes
☐ Use organic fertilizer and no pesticides
☐ Near parks and green spaces
! No automated lawnmowers

what is ‘nbs’ about this comic?

Cities have lots of biodiversity when we manage urban nature and green spaces well. An animal living in a city has needs for food and living space just like animals in the country. Life for an urban hedgehog is an adventure! These little critters navigate gardens, parks, and backyards, hunting for insects and worms. They often squeeze through hedges and under fences, exploring the cityscape at night. Urban hedgehogs face challenges like traffic and limited green spaces, but they adapt by finding cozy spots to nest and hibernate. Friendly human neighbors sometimes leave out food and water, making city life a bit easier for these spiky wanderers. This comic is brought to you by the German Wildlife Foundation.