Risks to hedgehogs revealed following mild weather spell

An underweight hedgehog found wandering around a garden during the daytime is a sign that the animals are being lured out of hibernation too early, says a wildlife charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jan 2014, 12:54 BST

Care for the Wild, in Brighton Road, Horsham, have taken in the little hog after he was found in a Crawley garden, then taken to Harvest Vets in Maidenbower.

Care for the Wild’s wildlife carer Tarnya Knight said: “This little fella is just 300 grams so he definitely wouldn’t have made it through the winter, and if a cold snap comes that would have finished him off. But we’ll feed him up and he should be okay to be released in the spring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The mild weather we’ve had is leading to hedgehogs coming out of hibernation too early. Most of them will be the right weight, but there isn’t much natural food for them around at the moment. So if you get hedgehogs in your garden please leave out some food and water to see if they’re around. And of course, if you see one during the daytime, please either contact us or take it to the vet.”

Care for the Wild is a wildlife charity based in Horsham. Anyone wishing to support Care for the Wild’s work can Adopt a Hedgehog by visiting www.careforthewild.com or call 01403 249832.

Report and picture contributed by Care for the Wild.

Related topics:Crawley