Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Rescue Rehabilitation Welfare

Hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation provides a safety net for injured and underweight individuals, with welfare protocols guiding assessment, care and release.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog rescue centres receive approximately 100,000 hedgehogs annually
Underweight (below 600g) and injured hedgehogs require overwintering care before spring release
Release sites with suitable habitat, food and connectivity are critical to post-release welfare
Gut parasites and lungworm are common in rescued hedgehogs requiring veterinary treatment
Hedgehog rehabilitation success rates of 60-70% return-to-wild are achievable with appropriate care

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog rehabilitation welfare requires appropriate veterinary care, diet and housing standards alongside evidence-based release site selection. Well-managed rescue centres significantly improve survival to release.

What You Can Do

Contact your local hedgehog rescue centre before attempting to care for a wild hedgehog
Support hedgehog rescue centres through donation of supplies or funds
Learn to assess hedgehog welfare to provide accurate information when reporting hedgehogs for rescue