Hedgehog advice issued in Wiltshire during awareness week

Here are some tips from Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital to keep the prickly mammals safe

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 8th May 2021

There is a please for us to look out for the safety of hedgehogs as Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital reveal they take in over 700 of the injured prickly mammals each year.

In light of Hedgehog Awareness week, which runs from 2nd May - 8th May, the charity is raising the animals profile.

Advice has been issued by them to make small changes to our gardens and outside spaces to keep hedgehogs safe.

With the mammal in decline, Wildlife Care Supervisor, Marilyn Korkis, says it's important to keep them safe:

"Nationally, they are in decline, but it's progress, and the loss of habitat through house building, farmland being taken up and hedgehogs being removed hasn't helped.

"Hedgehogs being out in the daytime raises alarm bells, it means they are either sick with lung worm, trapped in garden or football netting.

"On a hot day, it could also mean that a nursing mother has left the nest to have a bit of a breather.

"It is important to look after them, whether they need warmth or not, depending on the condition they are in."

TIPS FOR KEEPING HEDGEHOGS SAFE

  • In extreme weather conditions make sure they have access to food and water.
  • Just before they go in to hibernation around November time give them food.
  • If the weather is normal don't worry about feeding them as there should be food in the wild, they shouldn't solely rely on you for food.
  • Fresh water and cat or dog food is recommended (not fish based.)
  • Milk should NOT be left out for hedgehogs as they are lactose intolerant.
  • Check the grass if you are mowing or strimming.
  • If you're clearing your garden, remove it carefully, especially in breeding season. There could be mothers and babies hiding.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT AN INJURED HEDGEHOG

If you find an animal in distress call the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital to find the best course of action. Check your location and if you aren't in a recognisable area, mark the spot.

Avoid handling the animal if it's injured, it may cause distress to you and frighten them.

A wild animal may carry diseases wear protective clothing IF you are to handle it, but try not to. If the animal is immobile, you can place a blanket over it to keep it calm and warm.

Contact the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital if an animal needs to be rescued, cared for, is sick, injured or orphaned. They do not handle cases of animal abuse.

Emergency Contact Number: 07850 778752

Email: wildthings@wiltshirewildlifehospital.co.uk

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