Hedgehogs are most rescued wild animal in the UK. Here’s our guide to help you know when they need to be rescued and when it’s best to leave them alone.

As the night progresses, it is common to see our spiky friends snooping around the gardens after dark. In the pastThe public were advised to collect underweight hedgehogs in the autumn and keep them at home until spring, as it was thought that they would not be able to survive hibernation.

Environmentalists now know that the smallest hedgehogs can survive winter. In fact, as climate change makes UK winters warmer and wetter and remaining temperatures higher throughout the fallhedgehogs remain active for longer. This means that some do not hibernate until as late as December or Januarywhich gives them plenty of time to gain weight.

There is more 300 hedgehog rescues in the UK, but in autumn and winter, many of them are full and cannot accept admissions. A study conducted in 2006 estimated that there were 40,000 hedgehogs in rehabilitation only in the UK.

Small but healthy hedgehogs may take time to reach a healthy release weight. These fall juveniles can “block the bed” by taking up space that could be used to treat a sick or injured pig.

When a rescue is not necessary

Once a hedgehog has been admitted to a rescue centre, it can only be released when it has the same chance as a healthy adult wild hedgehog. A 2019 study by Nottingham Trent University showed that rehabilitated hedgehogs released at 600 g during the winter months can meet this criterion. The study ensured that temperatures were above freezing when it released them, but otherwise did not provide any additional support to the hedgehogs.

This means that hedgehogs no longer need to be kept in rescues until spring. Good news for hedgehogs, but not everyone knows it.

Some wildlife rescues continue to keep hedgehogs over the winter and release them in spring, anytime from late February to May. Hedgehogs come out of hibernation when temperatures are consistently above 10°C and begin breeding early in the year. Hedgehogs that stay indoors during the winter miss out on an important part of the breeding season.

Some hedgehogs may miss breeding altogether, reducing the total number of litters, or may have hoglets later in the year. the population may lose some of its genetic variety (a bulwark against disease) with fewer breeding hedgehogs.

Keeping animals in captivity can also cause them. stress. Wildlife can experience stress as something similar to facing a predator. Long-term stress can reduce playback, impair immunity and engender ill health.

Bringing a wild animal into captivity should not be done lightly. Capturing animals, management, transporting and examining These are all things that have been shown to cause stress.

So how do you know when hedgehogs really need your help?

When you should intervene

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so animals that come out during the day need help in autumn and winter. In the summer months pregnant hedgehogs are occasionally seen building nests during the day, but in autumn and winter the only hedgehogs active during the day are unwell.

Any injured hedgehog will need to be rescued. They may be dragging one leg, bleeding, staggering, or walking in circles. Hedgehogs face many dangers in neighborhoods, including traffic, lawnmowers, dogs, nets and bonfires.

Body condition is more important than weight alone. The photos below show two hedgehogs of similar weight. The one on the left is a very healthy hedgehog, while the one on the right is hungry.

When curled up, healthy hedgehogs are round and their weight is evenly distributed across the shoulders and hips. Hedgehogs with pointed tails and protruding hips or shoulders are in poor condition and are most in need of rescue.

Gardens can be a great habitat for hedgehogs. Creating areas that offer wild food (log piles, tall grass, and compost piles) will allow them to dig for worms, bugs, beetles, and other insects. Don’t bag leaves either, as piles of them can attract insects and make excellent nest bedding for hedgehogs. All wildlife needs fresh water, so be sure to place a shallow container as well.

Read more:
How to prevent the humble hedgehog from disappearing forever from British gardens and countryside

If you see an injured hedgehog or discover one during the day, pick it up with a towel and place it in a high-sided plastic box with a hot water bottle. Contact your nearest rescue center for advice or take the animal to your nearest vet. You can find a rescue at www.helpwildlife.co.uk.

Remember: it is best to release hedgehogs that come out at night and appear healthy.

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