British Population Urged To Save Hedgehogs Dying In The Heat

Jul 28, 2019 by apost team

Temperatures in the United Kingdom are soaring over 100 F this summer, and some of the region's most vulnerable residents need help.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is asking Brits to look out for dehydrated hedgehogs. A saucer of water could be the difference between life and death for the spiky foragers.

Food is scarce for hedgehogs this time of the year, and the dry heat isn't helping the situation. Hedgehog mums have to leave their hoglets to find food and water. The further they have to travel, the less likely they are to return.

Joan Lockley works with Warwickshire Hedgehog Rescue. Joan has said that the rescue is overrun with baby hedgehogs this year. She's already helped 50 more hedgehogs than last year, and the summer is only half over.

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Joan recommends leaving a saucer full of water outside. She also urges homeowners to not prune their gardens too far back. Plants provide shade so that the hedgehogs can nest, forage and escape from the sun.

Unfortunately, the heatwave isn't the only threat to young hedgehogs. The hogs also get "fly blown." Fly blown means that they are eaten alive by flies. The fly population is on the rise because of the hot, dry weather.

The hedgehog population in the United Kingdom has fallen more than 30% since 2002. The changing climate and a loss of habitat due to human activities are the main causes.

According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, most rescues are at capacity. If the heatwave continues, there will be no place for vulnerable hedgehogs to go.

If you find a sick or injured hedgehog, you can visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's website for care instructions and rescue center locations.

Aren't hedgehogs adorable? Please help and spread the word about these endearing critters and how they are affected by the heat. You might save a life!