Hedgehogs are great at getting into trouble so please don’t make it easy for them. Cover up any holes such as those for fence posts or unguarded drains. If you have a pond or a water feature, insert a ramp. Put it close to the edge, though.
If you see a hog out in the daytime and it moves with purpose, it’s likely to be a mum on a mission to feed her young or spend some time away from them! She’s OK.
However, if you see a hog laying out in the daylight, walking with a stagger, or one that just looks sick/thin, it needs your help. Please pick it up with a pair of gloves, place in a box lined with newspaper and take to a vet. Vets are obliged to treat wild animals for free. They will give first aid as required and decide whether to pass it on to a hedgehog rescue.
If you cannot get to a vet, please keep it warm, provide a shallow dish of water and phone one of these numbers as soon as possible:
Hart Wildlife Rescue: 01420 562335 (10am – 5pm, 7 days a week)
Romsey Hedgehog Lady: 07957 252170
Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital: 01980 629470 (24 hours)
RSPCA: 0300 1234 999 (24 hours)
Hedgehogs are complex little creatures, but if you’re lucky enough to see one in your garden, you will definitely be touched by their magic. And you’ve got to admit it – they are cute little critters, if not too cuddly!
Find out more about our prickly friends from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society at https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk
