Over the last week or so, we have been getting a growing number of seriously injured hedgehogs being found and held on to for sometimes several days before being brought to us for help and care. Also, being seen out for several days at a time wobbling, looking sick but left on the ground.
These include some with broken bones, open and highly infected wounds, deep layers of fly strike allowing maggots to eat the flesh of the injured hedgehog and today – one which has suffered a traumatic amputation of a rear leg – picked up at lunchtime yesterday and arrived with us a full 24 hours later. He is in a huge amount of pain, heavily infected, with maggots inside his wound eating at his flesh.
Under wildlife laws anyone finding a sick or injured animal or bird is required to get help for it as soon as possible. We do understand that people lead busy lives, but just call us and we can help!
If you are unsure about a hedgehog you think may be sick or injured – PLEASE PHONE YOUR NEAREST RESCUE FOR ADVICE IMMEDIATELY! If it is then deemed urgent you will be advised on how to pick it up and arrange getting it to a rescue. If you have no transport – TELL THE RESCUE – they may be able to arrange for a volunteer to collect it and transport to the rescue.
PLEASE – do not leave it in a box and hope for the best. Time is critical for injured and sick hedgehogs. Their health is complex and can go downhill extremely quickly.
We would rather have a phone call that turns out not to be urgent such as a nursing mother out getting nesting materials in daylight, than risk the death of a sick or injured hedgehog by being left outside for any length of time.
Please phone us or your nearest rescue for advice if you are unsure!
