EXPERTS have sent out a desperate plea to families this Hallowe'en urging them not to dump used pumpkins in the woods as the practice can be lethal to wildlife.

Forestry England has issued an appeal to warn against believing an urban myth that pumpkins are a 'tasty treat' for animals. 

An estimated eight million pumpkins could be part of this year's spooky fun.

Kate Wollen, an ecologist, says people should ignore online tips telling them pumpkins are a safe source of food. 

"Discarded pumpkins can potentially kill animals like hedgehogs," she said.

"Pumpkins are not natural to the woodland and while some wildlife may enjoy a tasty snack it can make others very poorly.

"Feeding pumpkins, or any other food in the forest, to birds, foxes, badgers, deer, and boar can make them unwell and can spread disease."

Kate added: "Alternatively, a pumpkin soup can be made or you can use the waste for a compost heap to make a rich soil amendment for next year’s vegetable garden."

Other pumpkin uses include a face mask, bird feeder and pumpkin bowl. 

Oftentimes zoos, animal shelters, farms and community gardens accept unwanted pumpkins.