A woman has shared how she rescued a hedgehog she spotted wandering the streets at 8am, fearing for its safety as it headed towards a busy main road.
In a Reddit post, she described finding the mammal in the morning, saying: "Found him wandering around 8 in the morning, falling off steps and walking into bins and heading towards a busy main road. So I took him to the vets as I was very worried about him."
Vet's update after overnight care
After the hedgehog stayed at the vets overnight, the woman received a phone call with an update. She continued: "[The vet] called me back and said he only has one eye but otherwise was healthy! Collected him the next day and took him back to an area very close to where I found him and released him back into a field far away from any road."
Reddit users applaud the gesture
Many people on Reddit praised the woman for her actions. One said: "Well done! Thank you for being kind." Another added: "Aww yay well done for rescuing him! They need all the help they can get at the moment. If it hasn't rained near you recently maybe stick a little dish of water out if you haven't already near to where you found him? So nice he got to go back home after too."
A third commented: "Thank you for helping this cutie." While a fourth wrote: "Kind people like you will make the world better place."
Hedgehog habits and how to help
According to the RSPCA, hedgehogs can be found all across the UK in habitats like grassland, heathland and moorland, as well as farmland, woodland, parks and gardens. They are nocturnal creatures, so sightings are more likely at night. During hibernation season, between November to mid-March, they may be seen foraging for food and collecting nesting material.
Hedgehogs emerge from hibernation in spring. If you spot one during the day, it's likely they're sick or injured. If you find a hedgehog which appears lethargic, wobbly or with flies around it, it's best to offer medical attention. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has a first aid guide on what to do if you find an injured or sick hedgehog.
