RSPCA sees highest hedgehog intake in three years
The RSPCA expects more hedgehogs to be admitted before the end of the year.
The RSPCA has praised the rescue work of members of the public as it sees its highest intake of hedgehogs in three years.
The animal welfare charity hopes members of the public can continue to support them in protecting hedgehog wellbeing.
So far in 2024, the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres have admitted 2,002 hedgehogs. This is already 54 per cent more hedgehogs than 2022 and an increase on the 1,928 brought in during the entirety of 2023.
This included 659 hedgehogs admitted to wildlife centres in September and October alone. This is 114 more hedgehogs than during the same period last year.
The RSPCA expects this number to keep rising before the end of the year.
The charity has expressed its gratitude to members of the public, who were responsible for bringing in 77 per cent of the hedgehogs seen in 2023. It is keen for more people to understand what to do if they think a hedgehog needs help.
Due to recent mild weather, some hedgehogs have had a second litter of hoglets. There is still time for these hoglets to fatten up during the winter and they should generally be left where they are to feed.
These small hoglets may come out earlier in the evening to forage for food, and can be monitored to make sure they are well.
Adult hedgehogs are more likely to go foraging during the night and, if they weigh over 450g, should be well enough to hibernate in the winter. They are also able to forage at least once during the winter, so leaving food, such as meat-based pet food, out can help.
The RSPCA advises that hedgehogs are only brought in if they are visibly weak, unstable, injured or affected by parasites. They can also be rescued if they are clearly underweight, out in frosty conditions or found in a dangerous place.
Rebecca Macchin, an RSPCA wildlife expert, said: “When an animal is in need, the quicker they get help the better.
“By rescuing small sick and injured animals such as hedgehogs yourselves, it frees up our teams to focus their specialist skills on investigating cruelty and neglect, and reaching more victims who urgently need our help.”
Image © RSPCA
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