Alderney experiences rise in hedgehogs affected by unknown illness

An increase in hedgehogs on Alderney suffering from an unidentified illness has been reported by a charity. Kelly Huitson, a registered veterinary nurse with the Alderney Animal Welfare Society, stated that she has been caring for a “worryingly large number” of severely ill hedgehogs. Ms. Huitson noted that some of these hedgehogs have presented with numerous ticks, in addition to respiratory, neurological, skin, and weight deficiency issues. While the origin of these illnesses remains unknown, Ms. Huitson urged individuals applying pesticides to verify that the ingredients are safe for wildlife. According to Ms. Huitson, blonde hedgehogs exist exclusively on Alderney and North Ronaldsay, an island situated off the Scottish coast. She mentioned that the charity is collaborating with scientists to investigate the reason for their blonde coloration, confirming they are not albino. Surveys indicate that blonde hedgehogs constitute approximately 55-70% of the island’s overall hedgehog population, and they reportedly appear smaller than their brown counterparts. Ms Huitson said: “The blonde hedgehogs also have a reputation for being much tamer and less flighty than brown hedgehogs in the UK, but this could be due to learning that people often give them food, as residents are keen to preserve our iconic population, or due to the lack of predators.” She further explained that since Alderney lacks foxes or badgers, the primary dangers to hedgehogs are large birds and vehicular traffic. Alderney Animal Welfare operates as the sole veterinary clinic on the island, and Ms. Huitson noted its successful record in rehabilitating and releasing injured or sick wildlife. She commented: “The recent issues with hedgehogs doing poorly is really worrying for us, and we really appreciate donations to the charity for supplies, food and further testing we can do which could shed light on what is causing them not to thrive.”