Dozens of hedgehogs have been rescued in Staffordshire so far this year - according to new figures released by the RSPCA.
A total of 72 of the little mammals were taken to wildlife centres between January and October - with more
Dozens of hedgehogs have been rescued in Staffordshire so far this year - according to new figures released by the RSPCA.
A total of 72 of the little mammals were taken to wildlife centres between January and October - with more than 2,123 hedgehogs admitted to the charity's specialist wildlife centres nationwide.
Across the border in Cheshire a total of 344 of the creatures were admitted, along with three in Derbyshire.
Nationally admissions are up by 22 per cent this year, with the numbers rescued in September and October the highest they have been for the last five years.
RSPCA Scientific Officer Evie Button says: “It’s going to be a difficult year for hedgehogs. As we head towards the hibernation period, we’re seeing a surge in hedgehogs being brought to our centres by concerned members of the public and the RSPCA’s own officers. We could be in for a record-breaking year.
“While it's impossible to know exactly why we are seeing so many more hedgehogs this year, some potential causes could be if they’re having trouble finding food this year, changes in weather that affected the timing of the breeding season, or even that people are more aware and concerned about hedgehogs so are reporting them to us more often.”
Hedgehogs are the animals most frequently taken to RSPCA Wildlife Centres in October and November - and often healthy animals are taken in by well-intentioned members of the public.
The RSPCA has now introduced guidance based on fruit sizes to help people assess whether an animal is underweight and needs help. Hedgedogs spotted in Autumn that are apple or mango sized may need help while those that are pineapple-sized are big enough to survive hibernation.
Evie added: “It’s important to ensure that our scarce resources are targeted at the animals most in need, but it can be quite tricky to tell whether a hedgehog really needs help or not. Using fruit sizes as a guide is a useful way of working out whether the animal’s healthy or in trouble.
“If the hog is mango-sized or even smaller, it needs to be taken to a rescue centre. At this size, the hedgehog will probably weigh less than 450g and is unlikely to survive the winter without expert care. But if it’s the size of a pineapple, there’s no need to worry. That hedgehog will have reached a very healthy weight and can be left in peace to carry on with its preparations for hibernation.”
There are currently 92 hedgehogs being cared for at the Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire.
An RSPCA spokeswoman added: "Hedgehogs need considerable fat reserves to get them through the winter. As autumn turns to winter, prey such as insects become much more scarce, and that can prevent young hedgehogs reaching an appropriate weight of 500g or more so they can hibernate safely.
"While September sees the tail end of the orphaned hedgehog admissions, by October, the balance tips towards those that are found out during the day looking for food or that are starving. These animals may also be orphans which are now struggling as they were not able to put on as much weight without their mother’s help.. However you may also see hedgehogs out and about during winter when the weather is mild, as they will often wake up during hibernation to forage for food or move their nest sites."
Anyone with concerns about a wild animal’s welfare can contact the RSPCA advice line 0300 123 4999. For more information about how to help hedgehogs in your garden, visit the RSPCA’s website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/inthewild/gardenhedgehogs
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