PRESS RELEASE - 26th JULY 2018 - Recently we have received an increasing number of calls about hedgehogs being out during the day.

The hot weather means a possible reduction in prey and available water may mean that the iconic spiky creatures may struggle to find food and water naturally.

However, there is a way in which we could help them - by leaving out food for them.

Hedgehogs love tinned dog or cat food and crushed dog or cat biscuits (not fish-based). Hedgehog food is also highly recommended and often available from suppliers of wild bird food.

Never feed hedgehogs bread, which is low in nutrients, or milk as this can cause diarrhea. Instead of milk, leave a shallow dish of clean water.

We currently have 91 hedgehogs in our care at Stapeley. Some of the hedgehogs which are brought into Stapeley are perfectly healthy but have been removed from their natural habitat by well-meaning members of the public who fear they are sick or injured or have been abandoned by their mothers. In many cases, the mothers are in fact close-by and simply hiding but will not return if a human is present.

As a rule of thumb if you see a hedgehog out during the day then it’s likely there is something wrong, as hedgehogs are usually nocturnal creatures.  This is because the insects and other small animals they feed on are normally active at night too.

However, during dry periods of weather, species like earthworms become scarce as the ground dries out, so they may be having to search harder and further for food. So if they appear active and there is nothing obviously wrong - for example the hedgehog is not injured, circling or staggering or in immediate danger - they should be left alone, but provide some food and water to help them through this dry weather.

Some of the animals at our centres are perfectly healthy but have been removed from their natural habitat by well-meaning members of the public who fear they are sick or injured or have been abandoned by their mothers. In many cases, the mothers are in fact close-by and simply hiding but will not return if a human is present.

We appreciate that it may be difficult to know what to do if you see a baby hedgehog. Some will have been orphaned, and others may have had their nest destroyed by mistake. If a member of public uncovers a nest full of hoglets, we recommend that they cover it up again, as their mother will very likely be foraging nearby.

So we urge anyone who comes across a nest of infant hedgehogs to be careful not to disturb them, as this may lead to the mother abandoning her young. It is far better for a hedgehog to be raised by its own mother.

We think it’s important to make people aware because some people do not know what to do if they see a hedgehog, and whether they need help or not. If in doubt, then seek advice by calling our 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.

The RSPCA also sees, every summer, a number of hedgehogs which come in as a result of gardening-related injuries.

In many cases these sort of injuries are completely avoidable. Hedgehogs can be well hidden in long vegetation or can curl up into a ball when they sense danger, which can make them harder to spot, so having a check before using a strimmer or a grass cutter can prevent horrific and potentially fatal injuries.

Even simple gardening activities such as forking over a compost heap can have deadly consequences for these little creatures.

The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations to exist. It costs the centre £50,000 to feed the 6,500 animals which are admitted every year. The food bill for seals alone costs £500 a week. Anyone who would like to support the vital work of Stapeley Grange can now donate online at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rspcahq/stapeleygrange.