Hi LornaD
Male hedgehogs do often disappear surprisingly early for hibernation so it could be that. They do tend to hibernate about a couple of months before the females, but also return from hibernation a couple of months earlier. The males don’t get involved at all in the raising of hoglets, so haven’t had the same responsibilities. The females, once the hoglets are independent, have to put on sufficient weight themselves for hibernation.
It is always a worrying time of year, but try not to worry too much. He may return fit and well in the Spring. I would, though keep leaving food out for a while in case he, or another hog turns up. Often newly independent hoglets appear, miraculously, at this time of year. Good luck.
