When to help a hedgehog;

If the hedgehog is out during the day
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, sleeping during the day and foraging for food at night.  They will only come out during the day if there is a problem.  Any hedgehog found out during daylight should be taken to a wildlife hospital.

If the hedgehog is asleep away from its nest
Hedgehogs only sleep and hibernate in specially built nests. If you find one lying in the middle of a garden or path, assume they are ill and take them to a wildlife hospital as soon as possible.

A single orphan after surveillance
Juvenile hedgehogs live in family groups in nests.  Tiny babies will only leave a nest if there is a problem.  Young hedgehogs will make a very loud, squeaking noise if they are in distress.

If the hedgehog has been hit by a car
Hedgehogs are often hit by cars, and can suffer a variety of injuries, they must have medical assistance immediately.

If a leg appears damaged
Fractured legs are easily treated, take the hedgehog to your local wildlife hospital as soon as possible.

If you hear continuous squeaking noises coming from a possible nest site.                                                                 Something may have happened to the mother and the babies are calling for food. Ring your nearest wildlife rescue to come and assess the situation.

If it's dragging both hind legs
This can indicate a spinal injury, handle the hedgehog very carefully and take to a wildlife hospital as soon as possible.

If the hedgehog has open wounds
These can become infected and will not heal without assistance.

If the hedgehog is caught in netting Do not release.
Take to a wildlife hospital immediately, complete with the net.  They must be cut out, and will need to stay in hospital for at least seven days' observation, in case of further complications.

Any "apparent" orphan showing an injury
Any young hedgehog that has an injury, or is out during the day, should be taken to a wildlife hospital.

Hedgehogs should be handled with thick gloves, their spines can hurt and they may bite. Once you have established that a hedgehog is in need of assistance, pick it up and put it in a cardboard box with newspaper and an old towel. You could also add a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, (or any plastic bottle filled with warm water), to the box; as direct warmth will help an animal that is suffering from shock.  The hedgehog should then be taken to a wildlife hospital as soon as possible.

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