Young Hedgehog

[snake]

I came across this little fella this afternoon foraging about at the base of a hedgerow. He is only halfgrown, he has a lot of growing to do before hibernation or do they hibernate as youngsters.

[Marcia]

Hi Snake,

Hedgehogs seen in broad daylight is never a good sign. They are nocturnal beings and if they're out during daytime they're either starving (and as you said he was foraging that might his the case) or he's ill. If you come across him again please take him home and put him in a carboard box with cat food and water until you get in touch with a carer from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Hedgehogs needs to be at least 600g to survive hibernation, from your picture he looks quite small and needs help before winter. They can hibernate at 450g but they are unlikely to survive. More info about it here.

Is this hedgerow near your home? If so you could also put some food and water in the garden (hidden from cats if possible) to try to attact him. You can find instruction on how to build a hedgehog feeding station in this link.

By the way, nice picture, love the autumn light.

Hope you can find him again.

Marcia

[pattie may]

I agree lovely picture.

Have you seen it again?