How to help a hedgehog in need

Sadly, their numbers are declining, and they are increasingly vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss, road accidents, and even human activity. Here is some helpful information and tips on how we can help hedgehogs thrive and save those in distress.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal

Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal animals, which means seeing one out in daylight is often a red flag. Lisa van Heereveld, who works for World Animal Protection UK and recently used one of her volunteer days to assist at a hedgehog rescue, said that this is usually a sign that the hedgehog may need help.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, so when you see one out during the day, chances are that it needs your help and needs to be taken to a rescue charity or a vet. If you’re in doubt, ring a local rescue to ask for advice.

When hedgehogs are spotted during the day, they could be injured, dehydrated, or malnourished. If they are moving slowly, seem disoriented, or are lying still, it’s important to act quickly. Even if the hedgehog seems to be fine, it’s always best to contact a wildlife rescue charity for advice. They can help you determine whether the hedgehog needs medical attention or simply requires a safe space to rest.

Watch out for baby hedgehogs (hoglets)

Hedgehogs ususally give birth in June and July but the hoglet season can start in spring and last well into autumn. This is a time when many people are busy tidying their gardens, but it’s also when hoglets are still vulnerable and may be left alone while their mothers are out foraging. 

If you find a baby hedgehog that appears abandoned, you should still contact a rescue charity immediately for advice. Hoglets rely on their mothers for food and warmth, and it’s crucial not to intervene unless absolutely necessary. Keep in mind that mother hedgehogs may leave their young temporarily to forage for food, so ensure the hoglet is truly abandoned before stepping in.

How to Safely Help a Hedgehog

If you’ve identified a hedgehog that appears to need help, here are the steps to follow:

🦔 Assess the situation: Is the hedgehog injured or unresponsive? Is it in danger from predators or traffic? If it is, you might need to help.

🦔 Contact a rescue charity: Before taking any action, it’s important to reach out to your local wildlife rescue for guidance. Lisa shares her experience:

For example, the other day I spotted a hedgehog in broad daylight. I rang Pawz for Thought, a wildlife rescue charity close to where I was, who confirmed the best thing to do was for me to bring the hedgehog to them.

🦔 Pick up the hedgehog with care: Once you’ve spoken with a wildlife expert, and they recommend taking the hedgehog to a rescue, it’s important to handle it safely. Hedgehogs can be fragile and might be frightened but they can also carry diseases, so please check with the rescue charity how to best handle it. Lisa shared how she handled the situation when she found a hedgehog:

I carefully picked up the hog (now named Henry), placed him in a cardboard box, and put my light jacket on top. Hedgehogs are little adventurers. They will climb out of a box, but they also like to burrow themselves, so if you give them a blanket or jacket, they are very likely to just hide underneath and stay in the box whilst you get them to a safe space.

Make sure to use gloves or a towel when handling the hedgehog to avoid getting pricked by their spikes. 

Making your garden hedgehog-friendly

As our gardens increasingly become essential havens for wildlife, there are several simple steps you can take to make your outdoor space safer and more inviting for hedgehogs. 

🦔 Create hedgehog highways: Hedgehogs love to roam, often covering up to two miles in a single night in search of food and mates. By cutting small holes (about 13 x 13 cm) in your garden fences, you can help them move freely between gardens.

🦔 Leave a wild patch: Hedgehogs are drawn to areas of long grass, log piles, or undergrowth where they can find shelter and insects to eat. Leaving a corner of your garden a little wild will help create a natural habitat for them.

🦔 Avoid pesticides: Hedgehogs feed on insects, slugs, and worms, so using pesticides can drastically reduce their food supply and harm them indirectly. Opt for organic gardening methods instead, there is lots of information out there.

🦔 Create a hedgehog shelter: Providing a hedgehog house in a quiet, sheltered area of your garden can encourage hedgehogs to stay and nest. You can purchase a hedgehog house or even make one using wood, ensuring it’s safe from predators and the elements.

🦔 Take care when using tools: When mowing the lawn or using strimmers, take extra caution, as hedgehogs, especially young ones, may be nesting in long grass or under hedges. Always check thoroughly before beginning any garden work to avoid accidentally harming them.