Hedgehogs roll up by using their orbicularis muscle, which is something like the drawstring on a duffle bag, and runs all around their ‘skirt’, just below the level of their spikey coat.
This young hedgehog has been caught by a strimmer, which has chopped into his orbicularis muscle, and though the wound has healed, it does not seem to be able to fully roll up yet. This means it would be at risk from predators should it be released back to the wild.
We will keep him in care for a bit longer to allow the muscle to continue to heal, which will ensure he will be safe when eventually released.
