WITH hedgehogs coming out of hibernation after a long cold winter local charity Pembrokeshire's 'Hogspital' has issued some advice to give the animals a helping hand this summer.
Pembrokeshire Hogspital is a non-profit organisation based on Sutton West Farm, Haverfordwest, which rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs.
The hogspital has released some indicators which show if a hedgehog is in distress.
If there are flies buzzing around the hedgehog or if the hedgehog is having a little wobble as it walks, or if it's injured or trapped then it needs help.
The 'hogspital' reminds us that hedgehogs don't like sunbathing so if a hedgehog is lying in the sun it'll probably be in need of assistance.
MORE NEWS:
- Seven-year-old raises money for Raven House Trust food bank
- Brynmawr boy's family fundraising for Tŷ Hafan and Noah's Ark
- Residents metres from Machen Mountain blaze tell of worry
If you find baby hedgehogs - described as 'hoglets' - scurrying around on their own then they will have lost their mother.
Greenacres Rescue commented: "Some sound advice from our wonderful friends at Pembrokeshire Hogspital.
"If you find a hedgehog in distress, then it needs help fast.
"Pick it up straight away, put it in a high sided box (they love to escape) with straw, a towel or torn newspaper.
"Phone a rescue for advice (Pembrokeshire Hogspital has a facebook page).
"Give the hedgehog water in a shallow bowl and meaty cat or dog food and follow any rescue centre advice online."
According to a recent State of Britain's hedgehogs report, numbers of hedgehogs have fallen by up to 30 per cent in urban areas and 50 per cent in rural areas since the Millennium.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here