As a specialist wildlife hospital, we would like to gently remind readers that hedgehogs are wild animals and should not be kept or treated as pets, however tame or familiar they may appear (The pet I’ll never forget: Harriet, the hedgehog in my airing cupboard, 23 March).
Healthy hedgehogs are best left in the wild, where they can behave naturally and remain independent. If you find a hedgehog that is clearly injured, unwell, orphaned, or active during the day and appearing to be in difficulty, it is important to contact a wildlife hospital for advice as soon as possible.
People can do a great deal to help hedgehogs safely by making gardens more wildlife-friendly – including checking bonfires before lighting, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, creating access holes in fences, and leaving out a shallow dish of fresh water.
Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most loved wild animals, but the best way to care for them is to help keep them wild. Further information and helpful factsheets can be found on our website at www.tiggywinkles.com
Suzi Kemp
Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital
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