Help hedgehogs as soon as possible

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Juvenile hedgehogs such as this one are unlikely to survive in the wild on their own if they become ill


ANYONE who finds a sick or injured hedgehog should call in the experts straight away, a local rescue centre has urged.

North Devon Hedgehog Rescue has reported that well meaning residents who discover an ailing or orphaned hedgehog have been looking after it themselves in the hope it may improve.

By the time the Braunton based centre, run by Anni and Graeme Nicholls, does hear about it, there is little that can be done to save the animal.

“It’s so important to seek help as soon as possible as many sick hedgehogs have been left to see if they improve for themselves by their finders,” said Anni.

“But this wait can cause serious problems as internal organs can start to deteriorate and shut down, and often by the time they do arrive at a hedgehog carer or vets they are often too far gone to help.

“It’s heart breaking to witness when you know that you could have helped more if given them earlier.”

Those in the Torridge area can call Torridge Hedgehog Rescue run by Angela and Tim Hodge in Torrington.


Hedgehog numbers are on the decline, and as winter approaches, ill or juvenile animals will be unlikely to survive hibernation.

Since they are nocturnal, the rescue group says any animal found out during the daytime is likely to need urgent help. Many sick hedgehogs suffer from internal parasites after eating infected slugs, snails or earthworms and the effects of this can lead to weight loss, dehydration, hypothermia and death.

Anyone who finds an ailing hedgehog is advised to carefully pick it up with a towel or garden gloves and place in a high sided box. If there are no signs of fly eggs or maggots on it, place a warm hot-water bottle wrapped in a cloth in the box, ensuring there is room for it to move away if it becomes too hot.

Offer it water and meat based cat or dog food, but not bread and milk, which can cause diarrhoea.

Next, call a local hedgehog carer or vets for advice and help. North Devon Hedgehog Rescue can be contacted on 07964 522359 and Torridge Hedgehog Rescue on 07884 486509.

Donations of meat based pet food in jelly, chicken flavour cat biscuits, kitchen rolls and newspapers or financial help are always very gratefully received, as is anyone aged 16 and over who wishes to become a volunteer.