The RSPCA is expecting a busy month of hedgehog rescue after a 60 per cent rise in reported cases this time last year.
In 2020, 6,200 calls were made to the RSPCA’s national helpline in the UK to report sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, 47 of which came from Oxfordshire.
On average, five hedgehogs per day were admitted to one of the charity’s four specialist wildlife centres, but in the peak months of July and August, this rose to an average of eight per day - the equivalent of one poorly or orphaned hedgehog every three hours.
The RSPCA’s Scientific Officer Evie Button said: “July and August are our busiest months for hedgehogs.
“Not only do calls about hedgehogs peak, but so do admissions to our four wildlife centres as members of the public and our own officers bring in orphaned, sick or injured animals for treatment and rehabilitation.
“We get about 17 calls a day relating to these iconic and beautiful animals.”
Finding a sick or injured animal (4,333) was the top reason for contacting RSPCA about hedgehogs last year. Other reasons included finding an orphaned new-born (436) or an animal that was trapped or entangled (433).
The animal charity’s Scientific Officer has shared some tips to keep hedgehogs safe, while also giving valuable advice on how to rescue an abandoned baby hedgehog.
Evie said: “Please remember to remove sports and fruit netting, cover drains and holes, check before using a strimmer or mower, look in compost heaps before forking over and avoid using slug pellets as these are poisonous to hedgehogs.
“Generally, it's best to leave them (baby hedgehogs) alone as they’ll likely be looking for food, but there are a few things you can do to check if the hoglet does need help.
“If they’re larger than apple-sized (about 300g) and they’re not in immediate danger, sick or injured, monitor from a distance.
“The best type of food to give hedgehogs is cat or dog food, whether that’s tinned or crushed biscuits - or you can buy good quality specialist hedgehog foods from wildlife food suppliers.
“During the summer months, only intervene straight away if you find a baby hedgehog in immediate danger (such as on a road), a baby hedgehog that weighs less than 300g (about apple-sized) without an adult hedgehog nearby, or if the baby is sick, injured or surrounded by flies.”
More details on what to do if you find a sick, injured or orphaned hedgehog as well as how to help them in your garden, can be found on the RSPCA’s website.
To report concerns about an animal contact the RSPCA’s Hotline on 0300 1234 999.
To help the RSPCA rescue, rehabilitate and rehome or release animals, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give
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