A sad tale

[willowjay]

On Saturday evening a young hedgehog rambled across our patio, and we thought no more about him. Adults and juveniles are frequent visitors.

Sunday he was lying oddly in the grass, but fairly alert. Sunday evening he was lying in another spot, so we placed him in amongst some leaves. This morning (Monday) he hadn't moved - so I put him in a box, with water, and placed him in a quiet, sheltered and dark place. But I could see that the kitchen towel I placed him on stained slightly red. So I presume he was injured.

This afternoon we took him to the nearest wildlife hospital - but she didn't look very hopeful as there were signs of fly eggs on him. My question is - what could have brought him so low so quickly? What would attack a hedgehog? Was there anything else I could have done?

[Dogghound]

Hard to say for sure. Foxes, badgers, dogs, people could all directly attack a hedgehog. Then there are other possibilities like it being hit by a vehicle or being caught by machinery such as a hedge trimmer or lawn moor even a spade. The only thing you could have done is take it to a wildlife hospital sooner, the behaviour doesnt sound typical, they shouldnt lay in the open for extended periods.