Friday 11-12-2020 - 14:08

In light of implementing Glyndwr as a #HedgehogFriendlyCampus, knowing how to help one in need is crucial to ensuring that we do our bit as students and staff to make the University a safe place for our spiky friends.

Hedgehogs are complex creatures, and knowing how to spot one in need of help could save its life. Hedgehog first aid can be carried out to protect this endangered species and allow the University to further succeed in its quest to become a #HedgehogFriendlyCampus.

There are a number of ways that you can spot a hedgehog in need of help:

• Lethargic – hedgehogs don’t sunbathe, and if you see one out in the daylight, then it needs attention!
• Flies – if there are a lot of flies around the hedgehog, it will be in need of assistance.
• Wobbly – if hedgehogs are wobbling as they walk then there is something wrong.
• Trapped – if it’s been caught in netting, a pond, a drain, etc.
• Hoglets – if hoglets are seen out in the day without an adult and they are squawking, then this is not normal.
• Obvious injuries

 

Please note that in some cases, hedgehogs may be sighted in the day if they are building or taking a break from the nest, or if they have been disturbed and are seeking safety. These hedgehogs will be moving around with purpose so will not be in need of help. However, if they are not moving around then something is likely to be wrong, and that is where assistance may be needed.

If you do see a hedgehog in need of help, here is a guide on how to carry out effective hedgehog first aid:

• Use gardening gloves or a folded towel to gently pick the hedgehog up and pop it into a high sided cardboard or plastic box.
• Bring the box indoors away from flies.
• Keep the hedgehog in a quiet room away from pets and children and don’t be tempted to look at it any more often than you must to carry out first aid.
• As long as there is no blood, wrap a warm hot water bottle in a towel and place the hedgehog on it, with another towel gently draped over the hedgehog to keep the warmth in.
• Make sure it has room to get off the bottle and that it stays warm (but not hot) at all times.
• Offer a small amount of hedgehog food or meaty cat or dog food and some water – be sure not to forcefeed.
• If it is a small hedgehog or a hoglet, check nearby for others from the same litter that might also be in trouble.
• Call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 for the phone number of your local hedgehog rescue volunteers (or go direct to the rescue if you already have contact details).

There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent the unnecessary harming of hedgehogs in society.

Every year, many hedgehogs are seriously injured or killed by cutting machines in the garden such as mowers, strimmers or hedge cutters. Before cutting your grass or hedges, please check thoroughly for any resting hedgehogs. Their natural defense mechanism is to roll in a ball rather than to run away.

Please don’t litter!

Before throwing away, please break up plastic pots and cups, crush tins, and cut up four/six pack rings and rubber bands. Hedgehogs can get caught up in carelessly discarded rubbish, so please make sure you safely dispose of litter.

It’s our responsibility to protect these animals and provide a helping hand when they do need it. By being vigilant and careful, you could save a hog’s life!

#HogFriendlyCampus

More information can be found on www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.

Take a look at our other #HogBlogs to learn all about Hedgehog Friendly Campus at Glyndwr University and check out some fascinating facts you might not have known about hedgehogs.

 

Written by Lauren Hole, WGSU Digital Marketing Assistant

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