Hedgehogs hit by heatwave crisis as rescue admissions soar by 30 per cent

Hedgehogs are being left dehydrated, hungry and fighting for survival as extreme summer heat turns the ground “incredibly hard”, the RSPCA has warned.

New figures from the animal welfare charity show admissions to its wildlife centres increased by 30 per cent during June and July compared with the same period last year.

Many of the animals arriving at rescue centres are dehydrated, while orphaned hoglets require round-the-clock care and regular milk feeds.

The RSPCA said prolonged dry conditions were making it increasingly difficult for hedgehogs to find water and natural food sources such as slugs and earthworms.

Evangeline Button, wildlife expert at the RSPCA, said: “With amber heat health alerts in place for much of England until Friday, the ground has become incredibly hard, making it nearly impossible for hedgehogs to find their natural prey such as slugs and earthworms.

“These drought-like conditions are driving more hedgehogs, particularly young hoglets, into our care.

“The hoglets are sadly coming in dehydrated and orphaned, requiring round-the-clock care and regular milk feeds.

“The hot weather is a major problem for hedgehogs. The hard ground reduces their natural sources of food and water, leaving them vulnerable and struggling to survive.”

The sharpest increase was recorded at the RSPCA’s East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk, where hedgehog admissions rose by more than 50 per cent, from 208 last year to 313 this summer.

West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset experienced a 22 per cent rise, with admissions increasing from 84 to 103.

At Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire, numbers climbed by 17 per cent, from 207 to 243.

The charity’s Mallydams Wildlife Centre in East Sussex is also caring for wild animals affected by the conditions.

People are now being urged to become a “Wildlife Friend” by leaving shallow dishes of fresh water in their gardens.

Water containers should be cleaned daily using hot, soapy water to reduce the risk of bacteria and disease spreading between animals.

Householders can also offer hedgehogs meat-based tinned cat or dog food, avoiding fish-based varieties, or crushed cat or dog biscuits.

Anyone who spots a young hedgehog larger than an apple outdoors during daylight hours should initially observe it from a distance. If it appears active and uninjured, it may simply be looking for food or water.

However, hedgehogs that are staggering, wobbly, lethargic, surrounded by flies or refusing to eat are likely to need urgent assistance from a wildlife rescue organisation.

The summer food shortage could also have consequences later in the year. Hedgehogs need sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation, with wildlife specialists generally looking for autumn juveniles to reach around 600g before the coldest weather arrives.

Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire routinely sees a surge in tiny late-born hedgehogs from November onwards, with some weighing as little as 200g.

The animals are fed, treated and provided with warm nests until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

The RSPCA’s warning comes as demand for hot-weather guidance soars. Its advice pages have received more than 30,000 visits over the past 28 days, equivalent to one visit every 80 seconds.

The charity is also running its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues summer fundraising campaign after receiving 6,322 cruelty calls last year, compared with 3,852 during the equivalent period in 2021, an increase of 64 per cent.

Anyone concerned about a hedgehog can find their nearest wildlife rescue through HelpWildlife.co.uk or call Tiggywinkles on 01844 292292 for advice.