Wildlife

Hedgehog Rehabilitation Best Practice

Hedgehog rehabilitation requires specialist knowledge; best practice maximises survival and successful wild release.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs presented underweight in autumn face high winter mortality without intervention
Rehabilitation centres take in thousands of hedgehogs annually
Common presenting problems include injury, lungworm, and fly strike
Release criteria include weight above 600g before hibernation
Post-release survival monitoring improves rehabilitation outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Rehabilitated hedgehogs that are released prematurely, at insufficient weight, or into unsuitable habitat face high mortality, converting rescue into a welfare-negative outcome. Evidence-based rehabilitation protocols, including appropriate weight criteria, parasite treatment, and suitable release sites, maximise the welfare benefit of human intervention.

What You Can Do

Contact a specialist hedgehog rescue if you find an injured hedgehog
Never attempt to hibernate a hedgehog underweight - seek professional advice
Create hedgehog-friendly gardens to support wild populations
Join the British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Donate to local hedgehog rescue centres