THE RSPCA are caring for a young albino hedgehog after it was found in a Welsh garden.

The small hedgehog was found by a member of the public in their garden in Wrexham on Tuesday who called the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Tim Jones, who collected the hedgehog, said: “The hedgehog was slightly underweight and was found out in the daytime.

“This is the second albino hedgehog I have collected this year as I also picked one up at the end of the summer in the Wrexham area, which is quite unusual.”

The hedgehog has now been taken to RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange wildlife centre where they are caring for the prickly visitor until it is ready to be re-released.

Their unusual colouring, caused by a rare genetic disorder, means albino hedgehogs sadly have little chance of survival in the wild as their conspicuous coats often prove attractive to predators such as foxes, badgers and dogs.

Call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if you find a sick or injured hedgehog or take it into a wildlife centre. Put them into a large box with plenty of clean, fresh hay or newspapers until the hedgehog can be picked up and keep human contact to a minimum.

For more information visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter