We found a small hedgehog tonight, just outside the kitchen door. This is the first hedgehog we have ever seen around our garden in the 2 years here, so I'm thrilled!
Question is, does this hedgehog need help?
I always tend to not intervene and leave well alone, but I've looked at the main hedgehog conservation/rescue websites and they all seem to say to catch a found hedgehog in any case, and get advice first before deciding that he can be released.
He was kind of 'stuck' in a bush and all curled up when we found him after dinner (well, the dog found him). We made him a box with newspaper and straw to bring him in. I weighed him, he is 499gr, not too small but still below the 600gr said to be required for successful hibernation. But then it has been extremely mild so far... so maybe not hibernating yet?
He's in the (unheated) spare room now, with straw, newspaper, a towel, hot water bottle and some cat food. It took some time for him to 'uncurl' but he's livened up now. Not interested in the food, only interested in escaping. Does that mean I should let him go? Obviously checking on him makes him curl up again... so I can't really check if he's injured or full of ticks or something.
I will call the Hedgehog Society in the morning, but just wondered if anybody here had advice or experience to share.