Help needed for hedgehogs

THOUSANDS of juvenile hedgehogs will die this autumn and winter without a helping hand from people, according to a national emergency appeal launched by the British Hedgehog Protection Society.

These are juvenile animals, born so late in the summer that they have not had time to build up a layer of fat which would allow them to survive the winter hibernation. They will die in their tens of thousands unless gardeners put out food to allow them to fatten up to face the coming hardship.

“They need to weigh at the very least 450gms (1lb), preferably 600gms (22oz), in order to have sufficient fat reserves to sleep through the winter,” says the society. “” Putting out meat based dog or cat food can be a lifesaver. Water can also be provided but NOT milk as this can cause stomach upsets.

“Hedgehogs are not normally seen out in the day and if they are seen it could mean they are desperate for food or very poorly. If you see one out in the day foraging do put out a dish of food, however if it is walking as though it is drunk and wobbly or is ‘sunbathing’ the chances are it is hypothermic and needs help quickly.”

These sick animals should be brought indoors (use an old towel to pick it up) and place it in a high-sided cardboard box on a well-wrapped hot water bottle. Keep the towel over the hedgehog to keep the heat in. The hot water bottle needs to be kept warm as if allowed to go cold it will draw heat away from the hedgehog.

• To be of more help, offer food and water, and contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 or see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk for your local hedgehog carer.