I am so stressed right now. I have at least 2 hedgehogs visiting my garden and last night on my wildlife camera I saw that one couldn't close its mouth. Showed the footage to those in the know and was told to take it to a rescue. Found one curled up in the hedgehog house but wasn't sure if it was the same one and didn't want to disturb it in case it wasn't. Someone who works at a rescue said to check it anyway and when we went back out there, it had emerged and was having a drink. There was still something wrong with its mouth so I managed to pick it up (wearing rose gloves) and put it in a box. Leicestershire hedgehog rescue's website says they're full, Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital closes at 4pm (not helpful) and the other local rescue I found could only be contacted by Messenger. I did send a message but didn't know when I'd get a reply so decided to err on the side of caution and take it to our vet. They're going to look it over and if necessary have it treated at the wildlife hospital. I'm going to call tomorrow to find out what's happening but my God I am so stressed out worrying whether or not it's anything serious. The one thing they don't tell you about having wildlife in your garden is how emotionally attached you get to it.
I really hope you get good news about it @februarysgirl. You did the right thing and at least it's with a vet now. There are some vets who specialise in wildlife/hedgehogs so your vet may be able to use the network to get advice. I don't know if you tried Digby's or if they're close to you. Another thing if it happens again is to maybe try the BHPS https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/
I know how you feel, l have been in a similar situation, you just feel so helpless, but remember that you didn't leave it to possibly suffer for any longer than necessary.
This is an interesting talk on London Hogwatch (Institute of Zoology, 2021). It discusses data gathered in recent years from camera traps - mostly from parks. The data shows that allotments are really valuable area for hogs too.
There is a sharp divide between strong areas for badgers and those of hogs. They predate the same food and badgers predate hogs. Foxes compete for food with hogs; and foxes and badgers have exploded in numbers. If you are feeding badgers or foxes, it is likely you are supporting them over hedgehogs and hog numbers will be suffering. Dog attacks of hogs are common.
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In synopsis
Richmond Park has no hogs - they have badgers instead
Kingston - no hedgehogs at all - all badgers
Regents park around 30 hogs (but a lot of volunteers looking, so that might explain the high hits)
There are around 100 hogs on Hampstead Heath. It's a problem that there is no corridor between the populations in Regents Pk and the Heath. Connectivity between areas is key.
It's a bad idea to translocate or move hogs to different areas.
Just a quick mention as we will soon be coming to the end of "No Mow May" and also the long Jubilee weekend. If you are planning to use a strimmer on the lawn or indeed any other area, (or you know of anyone else who might do so), please make sure that you check the area for hedgehogs before starting work. My local rescue has had a hedgehog brought in with strimmer injuries to it's back, hopefully it will be okay. Other rescues are also reporting an influx of hedgehogs with strimmer injuries, some of which are quite horrendous. Please spread the word. Many thanks 🦔
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I don't know if you tried Digby's or if they're close to you. Another thing if it happens again is to maybe try the BHPS
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/
I know how you feel, l have been in a similar situation, you just feel so helpless, but remember that you didn't leave it to possibly suffer for any longer than necessary.
All you can do is tell yourself that you did the right thing and that it is not suffering any more.
x
When without so much as a by your leave
Someone rudely barged in
And he was left proper miffed.
If you are planning to use a strimmer on the lawn or indeed any other area, (or you know of anyone else who might do so), please make sure that you check the area for hedgehogs before starting work. My local rescue has had a hedgehog brought in with strimmer injuries to it's back, hopefully it will be okay.
Other rescues are also reporting an influx of hedgehogs with strimmer injuries, some of which are quite horrendous.
Please spread the word.
Many thanks