Scottish SPCA urge public to help hedgehogs this autumn by putting out food and water during colder months

The Scottish SPCA have urged the public to help hoglets this autumn as hundreds are expected to arrive in rescue centres.

The plea comes as the National Wildlife Rescue Centre reveal they have cared for 350 hedgehogs already this season.

The organisation said hedgehogs need extra care throughout the colder months due to the change in weather, making it harder to find food.

The charity added that they tend to arrive in “worse condition” than at other times of the year.

Members of the public hoping to help hedgehogs this autumn can do so by simply leaving a shallow dish of water in the garden.

The wildlife organisation also say leaving hedgehog food would help hoglets get their weight up in time for hibernation.

Manager of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Chris Hogsden, said, “Every autumn we see a wave of hoglets come into our wildlife hospital.

“They tend to arrive in worse condition than at other times of the year, as they struggle more to find food and don’t do well with the change in weather.

“If they’ve not managed to find enough food to get their weight up in time for hibernation, then they need our help through the colder months”, they said.

“People can also help the hoglets already in our care by donating food through the centre’s Amazon wishlist.

“If anyone spots a hedgehog out during the day then we would advise people to contact us. If a hoglet or young hedgehog is on their own or if a hedgehog looks thin or wobbly then people should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”