Wildlife Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in the UK and across Europe, making rescue and rehabilitation of injured and sick hedgehogs an important welfare and conservation intervention.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since the year 2000, with garden habitat loss a significant driver
Common reasons for hedgehog rescue include road traffic injuries, strimmer wounds, entanglement, and being found out during daylight
Hedgehogs found out in daylight are almost always sick or injured and require immediate assessment
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant; milk should never be given as it causes serious gastrointestinal illness
Appropriate food for hedgehogs in care includes cat or dog food, mealworms, and fresh water
Release sites should be assessed for hedgehog suitability including access to suitable foraging habitat

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare in rehabilitation depends on appropriate triage, treatment, and release decisions. Many hedgehogs presented to rescues have treatable conditions but require skilled assessment and veterinary input. Inappropriate care including milk feeding causes avoidable suffering. Rehabilitated hedgehogs returned to unsuitable habitats fail to survive. The conservation dimension of hedgehog rescue adds significance to each individual animal treated. Connecting members of the public with local rescue networks quickly is critical to improving individual welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Contact your local hedgehog rescue or wildlife hospital immediately if you find a hedgehog out in daylight
Never give hedgehogs milk, bread, or mealworms as a sole food source
Create hedgehog-friendly gardens with log piles, hedgehog highways in fences, and reduced pesticide use
Donate to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society or local wildlife rescues
Check areas before strimming and avoid bonfires without first checking for hibernating hedgehogs