If you are a supporter of Woodlands Animal Sanctuary or even just someone who cares about nature and wildlife you will probably already know that if you see a hedgehog out during daylight hours, then something it wrong with it. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and as such should only be out and about during the hours of darkness.
There is an exception to this, which is worth knowing about at this time of year, and that is that at times, a mummy hedgehog may be seen out during daylight hours. But she will be very purposeful because she is getting food for her young. This is NOT a hoggie that needs help, but one that needs to be given plenty of space so that she isn’t intimidated and scared, which could cause her to abandon her babies.
Hedgehogs are native to Britain and recently their numbers had dropped to concerning levels, but with a lot of support nationwide this has slowed down and numbers are now much more stable. This will only continue, however, if the support they have received over recent years continues. Lack of food is one of the biggest problems they face & this is why Woodlands ensure all of their soft release sites for hogs commit to providing food for them 365 days a year. This means the hogs in that area know there is a reliable food source for them should they run into difficulties.
So if you see a hog out in the day, moving slowly, wobbling, with an injury or curled up, what should you do? Well, pop the hog into a box, with a heat source (even in summer! This is one of the most important thing you can do to help save the hog) and then phone Woodlands Animal Sanctuary on 01704 823293, to receive further instructions.
If you would like to find out more about hedgehogs and the work Woodlands does, then visit their website: www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk