Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation

Hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation for injured or sick individuals is an important welfare intervention. Understanding when and how to help hedgehogs improves individual outcomes.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs active in daylight are almost always in distress and need help
Signs requiring intervention include wobbling, staggering, fly eggs, and obvious injury
Local hedgehog rescue groups and wildlife rehabilitators provide specialist support
Hedgehogs can be kept safely in a box with food and water while awaiting help
Release at or near the rescue site allows return to familiar territory

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog rescue provides direct welfare benefit to individuals in distress. The network of volunteer rehabilitators represents a highly impactful form of wildlife welfare activism.

What You Can Do

Contact your local hedgehog rescue group if you find a hedgehog needing help
Provide a cardboard box with a towel, cat food, and water while awaiting collection
Never give hedgehogs milk - it causes diarrhoea and dehydration
Support hedgehog rescue organisations through donation and volunteering