'Lookout for baby hedgehogs this autumn' plea from Scottish SPCA

A SCOTTISH animal welfare charity is urging people to help hoglets this autumn by putting out food and water.

The Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre currently has 150 baby hedgehogs in their care and this season they have seen around 350 arrivals so far.

Manager of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Chris Hogsden, said, “Every autumn we see a wave of hoglets come into our wildlife hospital.

"They tend to arrive in worse condition than at other times of the year, as they struggle more to find food and don’t do well with the change in weather.

“If they’ve not managed to find enough food to get their weight up in time for hibernation, then they need our help through the colder months.

“Members of the public can help hoglets have a better chance of thriving by putting a shallow dish of water in the garden.

“They can also leave out hedgehog food or wet cat food, as long as it isn’t in jelly and is not fish based as this isn’t something found in their natural diet.

“People can also help the hoglets already in our care by donating food through the centre’s Amazon wishlist.

“If anyone spots a hedgehog out during the day then we would advise people to contact us. If a hoglet or young hedgehog is on their own or if a hedgehog looks thin or wobbly then people should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

People can purchase items from the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Centre’s Amazon wishlist at https://bit.ly/3rN4pxj

Further information on hedgehogs can be found on the Scottish SPCA website www.scottishspca.org/advice/hedgehog

If you are concerned about an animal call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice and assistance.

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