Hedgehogs urgently need our help.
There are a few main rescues in our area who will happily look after injured or sick hedgehogs and when they are well enough be released back into the wild. Some, however, will never be able to go back into the wild due their injuries and so will live at a sanctuary for the rest of their lives and be happy and safe!
All it takes is common sence on our part and the hedgehog will be saved from extinction. But we have to have the will to help these unique little creatures.
A few very useful websites on the do's and don'ts in the hedgehog world are:
Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue at www.thehedgehog.co.uk
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk who will also give you a list of registered carers in your area and
www.voluntaryrescuecentre.org.uk/hedgehogs.htm
Please telephone for help immediately if you find a hedgehog that looks ill, injured or is seen out in daylight. But catch the hog first as it may have disappeared whilst you are telephoning for help!
Hedgehogs don't usually venture out during daylight hours and so it is probably sick - however, it could be a new mum looking for its babies or for food so keep your distance for a few minutes and observe its behaviour. If the hedgehog looks energetic and there are no visible signs of injury then leave well alone. If it looks wobbly, sick or tilts to one side it needs help. Every second counts!
You then need to catch the hog and keep the little creature safe as they can wander off and you will never find them. Keep the hog warm, by placing a hot water bottle well wrapped in a towel beside the hedgehog, quiet and pop it into an escape proof box with a little water, chicken cat /dog food and a towel or blanket to snuggle into. It is then safe to contact one of the following rescue centres.
LOCAL CARERS
WEST YORKSHIRE
WEST YORKSHIRE HEDGEHOG RESCUE
0779 2053328
www.stefis-hedgehog-rescue.co.uk
HEDGEHUGS HEDGEHOG RESCUE
WAKEFIELD AREA
0752 7185620
WEST YORKSHIRE ANIMALS IN NEED
07974 791633
HEDGEHOG CARE
BRADFORD AREA
01274 870971
BURLEY HEDGEHOG RESCUE
01943 862470
SOUTH YORKSHIRE
SOUTH YORKSHIRE ANIMAL RESCUE
SHEFFIELD AREA
01142 349656
ANITA HARPER DONCASTER AREA 01302 831754 01302 533120
EAST YORKSHIRE GRANGE FARM SCUNTHORPE AREA 01724 843620
LORRAINE JACKSON HULL AREA 01482 502441
NORTH YORKSHIRE TONI BUNNELL YORK AREA 01904 791124
YORKSHIRE SWAN AND WILDLIFE HOSPITAL YORK AREA 07763 424892
TERESA MARSHALL HARROGATE AREA 01423 504186
CYNTHIA BUCKROYD SCARBOROUGH AREA 01723 371256
GLOUCESTERSHIRE AREA
HELP A HEDGEHOG HOSPITAL
Daytime/weekday emergencies
07870 378207 or 01452 823 871(Carole)
Eve/weekends 07867 974525 (Anne)
Registered Charity Number: 1120275