Wildlife fans urged to look out for baby hedgehogs

A wildlife charity has urged nature lovers to "act fast" if they come across a baby hedgehog in the day.

Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital said hoglet season was under way and it had taken 15 into care since May, with more expected in the coming months.

The hospital said a hoglet seen wandering alone in daylight hours could suggest it was searching for its mother because it was hungry or unwell.

The hospital said it would probably take in more young hedgehogs through the summer and autumn due to newborns not gaining enough weight to hibernate for the winter.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals so should not be seen during the day, with the exception of pregnant or nursing females gathering nesting material.

The Kibworth Harcourt-based animal hospital said anyone who spots one during daylight hours should call an expert or take it to their nearest rescue centre.

A spokeswoman said: "Hoglets out in the day would be either squeaking looking for mum or unwell.

"Usually they have come out of the nest in search of mum, who may have been injured or has abandoned them.

"The quicker you get the poorly hedgehog to a rescue centre, the better the chances of survival so we really urge you to act fast.

"The hedgehog may seem healthy when you first notice it out in the day, but days or even hours later you may find them collapsed and unresponsive."

The charity added people should use thick gloves or a towel to lift the animal into a secure box with air holes and a lid but not to give them food unless told to by an expert.

"An animal that is hypothermic or dehydrated will not be able to digest the food they are eating and it can be fatal," it said.

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