Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital has issued a gentle reminder that hedgehogs are wild animals and should not be treated as pets, no matter how tame they may appear. The charity's plea follows a recent article about a pet hedgehog named Harriet.
According to Suzi Kemp from Tiggywinkles, healthy hedgehogs are best left in the wild where they can behave naturally. However, if a hedgehog is clearly injured, unwell, orphaned, or active during the day and in difficulty, the public should contact a wildlife hospital immediately.
To help hedgehogs safely, people can make their gardens more wildlife-friendly. Simple measures include checking bonfires before lighting, avoiding harsh chemicals, creating access holes in fences, and leaving out a shallow dish of fresh water.
Hedgehogs are among Britain's most beloved wild animals, but the best way to care for them is to help keep them wild. Further information and factsheets are available on Tiggywinkles' website.
