You should only consider rescuing a Hedgehog if:

The Hedgehog has been involved in an RTA (Road Traffic Accident)The Hedgehog has been found wandering during the day (ODD)The hedgehog is severely underweightThe hedgehog appears to be suffering from Dehydration (See DEHYDRATION)The hedgehog is known to have been attacked by another animalThe hedgehog is known to have been poisoned (See POISONING)The hedgehog is trapped or has ligatures (Garden netting, etc)

The hedgehog is suffering from Fly Strike or Maggot infestation

Facts About Hedgehogs

• Hedgehogs are the most regular seen British Mammal in the wild. They are also the most treated wild animal in rescue centres.

  Hedgehogs lead a fully nocturnal lifestyle, which means they should NOT be seen during the day

  Hedgehogs may produce between 4-5 hoglets per year

• The average hedgehog has a total of approximately 5,000 spines on it's body
  
  

FAQ's about Hedgehogs

• How many spines are on the average Hedgehog?

There is said to be about 5,000 on the back of a Hedgehog

• Do Hedgehogs Hibernate?

Hedgehogs usually hibernate between the months of November and March (Over winter)

• Where do Hedgehogs live in the wild?

Hedgehogs usually live under logs, amongst bramble, bushes, heaps of leaves or wood; anywhere that is dry and safe!

• When are hoglets usually born?

Most Hoglets are born about 35 days after the mating season, However, there are late litters around September or even October, usually referred to as Autumn Juveniles.

• How many hoglets  can a Hedgehog have in a single litter?

Usually a Hedgehog can have between 3-6 babies, or HOGLETS in a single litter. Typically, there is only 1 litter per year.

• What do Hedgehogs eat in the wild?

Hedgehogs have a varied diet in the wild. A hedgehog will eat anything from insects, such as beetles, worms, slugs, to even frogs, toads and young mice. The Hedgehogs also eats a mixture of plants and fruits. 

• How long do Hedgehogs live for?

Hedgehogs can live up to 6 years in the wild

• Do ALL Hedgehogs carry Fleas?

All Hedgehogs living in the wild do carry Fleas, maybe even up to 500 at a time. It is important to note that the Hedgehog Flea RARELY BITES HUMANS, and DOES NOT live on other animals, both wild or domestic.

• When is the mating season for Hedgehogs?

The hedgehog mating season lasts from around April to August

Common incidents with Hedgehogs

• Hedgehogs are commonly involved in RTA's, most of which are fatal

  Dog attacks are very common, which usually results in severe skin wounds

  Hedgehogs also are the victims of poisoning by Slug Pellets, or other related pest control poisons (See SLUG PELLETS)

  Hedgehogs are very prone to get stuck down open drains, which, if found in good time, can be rescued without serious injury

  Hedgehogs are commonly found tangled in netting; in either garden netting, Tennis nets. etc (See NETTING)

• Hedgehogs can fall victim to many hazards created by humans, such as the incorrect displosal of harmful substances; oils, acids. etc

• Hedgehogs are also affected by External Parasites- e.g. - Fleas, Ticks, Mites and maggots. (See HEDGEHOG PARASITES)

The protection of Hedgehogs in the UK

The Hedgehog is protected by the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996. 

It is also protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Multimedia

There are a number of videos of Hedgehogs in our Multimedia section of the website. These videos show the Hedgehogs currently in residence at BWR.

To take a look at these videos, click on the Multimedia link at the top of this page.

There is also a special HEDGEHOG WORDSEARCH, which can be viewed by clicking HERE. If you wish to download a copy of the Wordsearch for printing, you can click HERE.

You can DOWNLOAD a Hedgehog rescue Factsheet to view. This factsheet shows the 5 most important points to consider before rescuing a Hedgehog, or anyother wild animal. To download your copy, click HERE.

Want more information? Try looking in the BWR Wildlife Library - full of references to books and leaflets detailing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Click HERE to visit the Wildlife Library