Wildlife rescue charity Care for the Wild International is urging people to keep an eye out for hedgehogs as winter draws in.
The Horsham-based charity recently rescued a young underweight hedgehog called Sniffles, who would not have survived the winter.
Care for the Wild’s wildlife carer Tarnya Knight said: “Sniffles was found out and about in the daytime looking for food. He’s tiny so there’s no way he’ll gain enough weight to get him through the winter hibernation.
"We’ll keep an eye on him, feed him up a bit and with a bit of luck in a few weeks he’ll be ready to sleep and survive through the winter.”
If a hedgehog is about in the daytime at this time of year there is definitely something wrong so Care in the Wild advise people to call a vet or rescue centre for advice.
November is doubly dangerous time for hedgehogs as bonfires make attractive hibernation homes, so please do check your fire before you light it.
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