This winter could be particularly hard for hedgehogs as new RSPCA data reveals the number of them admitted to its wildlife centres have already topped figures for 2020.
By mid-November the number of hedgehogs taken into the charity’s four wildlife centres was 1,896. Last year’s total figure was 1,883.
The RSPCA receives thousands of calls about hedgehogs each year – more than 6,000 last year.
Hedgehogs born late in the year often do not have enough fat reserves to survive the long winter hibernation without some help.
The data shows in Lincolnshire 102 were rescued last year. If you see a young hoglet about the size of an apple, 300g, they need to be rescued as they won’t have enough reserves to last the winter.
The nearest RSPCA wildlife centre is at East Winch, near King’s Lynn, which could have as many as 200.
For advice and information see the website www.rspca.org.uk
Evenagelos Achilleos
Manager RSPCA Wildlife Centre
East Winch
