Hedgehog Hospital Issues Bonfire Night Warning Amid Rising Injuries

A hedgehog care facility has reported an escalation in the incidence of hedgehogs sustaining injuries, falling ill, or perishing. Suzanne Tibbetts, representing Hartford Hedgehog Rescue in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, stated that their rescuers are experiencing a higher volume of requests for assistance. She further commented, “There’s very little they struggle with that isn’t a direct reflection of what we have implemented,” attributing this to the effect of recent construction on natural environments. As Bonfire Night approaches, she advised the public to construct bonfires on the evening of the event itself, instead of beforehand, because pre-built piles can serve as a warm nesting spot for hedgehogs. Mrs Tibbetts has been involved in discussions aimed at informing the public and raising awareness regarding hedgehog assistance. Her suggestions included making openings in fences to facilitate their movement, providing sustenance like kitten kibble and water, avoiding excessive garden neatness, installing ramps in ponds, and exercising caution during gardening activities. She also noted that if a hedgehog is observed outdoors during daylight hours, it typically requires immediate intervention, unless its movement is deliberate and it is “blatantly obvious that they’re on a mission”. In such cases, it is probable that the hedgehog is nesting or is a mother foraging for food. Mrs Tibbetts expressed her concern, stating, “The list is endless, it amazes me we’ve got any left with all the things they’ve got going against them.” She acknowledged the efforts of other organizations, adding, “Rescues across the country are doing such a good job.” Describing her own work, she commented, “I’m just working tirelessly to take them in, rehabilitate them, get them out and it is a never-ending task. There’s no break.” Historically, hedgehog populations in the UK have experienced significant reductions, with research conducted in 2022 indicating a decrease of up to 75% in rural regions since the year 2000. The most recent report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) confirmed that hedgehog populations have undergone swift declines, leading to the species being classified as “near threatened” in a worldwide evaluation. Specialists from the IUCN attributed the species’ struggles to escalating human pressures, such as intensive agricultural practices that harm their rural environments, as well as the impact of roads and urban expansion. Conversely, in metropolitan zones, populations that had previously been diminishing are now beginning to exhibit indicators of recuperation. Mrs Tibbetts further observed localized groups of urban hedgehogs that were “thriving”, attributing this to heightened public awareness regarding their needs. Further reporting was provided by PA Media. For updates on Cambridgeshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.