Injured Hedgehog?
The quicker a hedgehog in distress reaches an experienced wildlife carer or vet, the better its chances of recovery. Delays can cost lives, so please follow the steps below without hesitation.
⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️
In Ireland, hedgehogs and other wildlife are protected species. You must have a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to keep one in your care. Always contact an authorized rescue or vet as soon as possible.
Emergency First Aid for Hedgehogs
What To Do
Handle with Care and Wear Gloves
Hedgehogs may carry diseases such as ringworm or salmonella, so use gloves and practice good hygiene.
A good set of garden gloves are ideal. Remember Hedgehogs have spikes and they can pierce light gloves.
Secure the Hedgehog
- Place them in a high-sided cardboard box or pet carrier (hedgehogs are great escape artists!).
- Line the box with shredded newspaper so the hog can burrow and feel safe.
- Keep the box closed and away from pets and children.
- For other wildlife, use an old towel to provide support and warmth.
🦔🌡️ Keep them warm 🌡️🦔
Hedgehogs in need of rescue are often cold and dehydrated. They won’t eat or drink until they’re warm:
1. Use a hot water bottle, microwavable heat pad, or similar heat source.
2. Wrap them in a towel and place it at the side or one end of the box (never direct contact).
3. Cover the box loosely with a towel or blanket to retain warmth - but avoid overheating.
4. Place the box on thick newspaper to insulate it from the cold floor.
5. A dry shed or garage is better than leaving it outside—just ensure it’s free from toxic fumes (e.g. petrol, oil).
❄️ Support Them Through Winter
🌡️ Keep them warm
Hedgehogs in need of rescue are often cold and dehydrated. They won’t eat or drink until they’re warm:
- Use a hot water bottle, microwavable heat pad, or similar heat source.
- Wrap it in a towel and place it at the side or one end of the box (never direct contact).
- Cover the box loosely with a towel or blanket to retain warmth—but avoid overheating.
Place the box on thick newspaper to insulate it from the cold floor.
A dry shed or garage is better than leaving it outside—just ensure it’s free from toxic fumes (e.g. petrol, oil).
💧 Water and Hydration
Offer a small amount of water in a shallow dish (e.g. jam jar lid or ramekin).
Do not force-feed.
Monitor the hedgehog regularly for signs of improvement or worsening.
Hibernation Havens
Help hedgehogs prepare for colder months by creating snug, safe spaces to hibernate. Thorny shrubs, bramble patches, and deciduous hedges offer ideal shelter for hibernaculums — the nests where hedgehogs sleep through winter.
Do Not Disturb
If you accidentally uncover a hibernating hedgehog, only move it if it's fully awake. A disturbed hog may struggle to rebuild its nest, risking its survival.
🍽️ Food for Thought: Feeding Hedgehogs Safely
Natural Food Shortages
Pesticides and weedkillers reduce insect populations, leaving hedgehogs hungry. You can help by setting up a feeding station — use an upside-down plastic storage box with a small entrance to keep larger animals out. Inside, offer meaty cat or dog food (never milk or bread), and place the water bowl outside to avoid contamination.
Feeding Station Tips
Set up multiple stations if you have more than one visitor to avoid food fights.
Weigh down the station with bricks to keep it stable and secure.
Use a clear plastic box for quiet observation without disturbing the animals.
