Wildlife Welfare

Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation Protocols

Effective hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation requires specific protocols to address common presentations including injuries, illness, underweight juveniles, and mange.

Key Facts

Any hedgehog seen out in daylight is likely in trouble and requires assessment
Underweight hedgehogs weighing under 600g in autumn cannot survive hibernation without support
Mange causes intense itching and hair loss and requires veterinary treatment
Hedgehog rescue centres handle over 100,000 animals annually in the UK
Successful rehabilitation requires careful feeding, housing, and pre-release fitness assessment

Welfare Considerations

Injured or sick hedgehogs face significant suffering without intervention. Effective rescue and rehabilitation networks provide a welfare safety net for this declining species, but quality protocols are essential to ensure rehabilitation is genuinely beneficial.

What You Can Do

Know your nearest hedgehog rescue centre and keep their contact details handy
If you find a hedgehog in trouble, place it in a high-sided box with warm bedding and seek advice
Support your local wildlife rescue financially to maintain rehabilitation capacity