Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Rehabilitation and Release

Hedgehog rehabilitation requires specialised care, with underweight animals requiring overwintering before release.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need a minimum of 450-600g body weight to survive hibernation safely
Underweight autumn juveniles require supplementary feeding or overwintering in captivity
Hedgehogs with mange, injury or parasites require veterinary treatment before release
Soft release into established garden or woodland hedgehog habitat maximises post-release survival
British Hedgehog Preservation Society coordinates rehabilitation advice and centre referrals

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs released underweight before winter face certain death from failed hibernation. Overwintering underweight autumn juveniles in captivity until spring release is a straightforward welfare intervention. Rehabilitation centres that assess and treat health problems before release ensure individual hedgehogs have the best possible survival prospects.

What You Can Do

Contact British Hedgehog Preservation Society helpline if you find a hedgehog in difficulty
Weigh hedgehogs found in daytime - underweight animals need help
Support accredited hedgehog rehabilitation centres
Create release-suitable habitat in gardens to receive rehabilitated hedgehogs