‘Don’t pick up small hedgehogs,’ warns Rutland rescuer

Animal rescuers advise people not to take hedgehogs to be weighed if they appear to be underweight.

The famous spiny mammals usually put on weight in the autumn before going into hibernation, and members of the public have reported concerns to charities if they see animals that appear small and underweight.

However, changing climate conditions have been cited as a factor causing hedgehogs to take longer to put on layers before acclimating to colder weather.

Rachel Thomas, who runs the Rutland Spiny Hedgehog Rescue Center with her partner Jason, advises caution.

“Quite often people worry that their garden hedgehogs aren’t big or fat enough to survive hibernation,” she said.

“The weather is a bit unsettled throughout and of course there are changes in weather conditions, so the idea of ​​a hedgehog being underweight or too small is something we really don’t want people to start worrying about back in October.” . or even November, because there is still plenty of time for hedgehogs to gain enough fat to survive the hibernation period – if they have any at all.”

In 2020 there were hedgehogs included in the Mammal Society’s Red List of Mammals in the UK. as endangered, although there were recent increase in garden sightings.

Ms Thomas said they remained vulnerable, especially if they were hibernating, adding that any sightings of the animals during daylight hours – unless they were pregnant – should be reported to specialists who could help.

“People love their hedgehogs – they are Britain’s favorite mammal “In most studies they are absolutely fantastic creatures, but we also want to make sure we don’t interfere with their lives,” she said.

“By picking them up and weighing them, even if your intentions are coming from the right place, you can cause a lot of stress in the animal, which can then cause further problems for the animal.

“Really at this time of year you only have to worry about it if the hedgehog goes outside during the day because then he clearly breaks his nocturnal routine, indicating that something is wrong.”