Dehydrated hedgehogs: Warnings issues by West wildlife centres

Lauren Valentine, wildlife care and veterinary services manager at Secret World Wildfire Rescue in East Huntspill, near Highbridge in Somerset, said summer is the busiest time for staff.

Like Cox, she said the recent hot weather had “exacerbated” the number of cases at the centre.

She added that their hedgehog wing – named Hogwarts – had moved to a temporary unit as the original wing is too hot and the air conditioner unit had broken.

Amid the high temperatures, staff have treated animals suffering with dehydration and disorientation caused by the heat, as well as those with injuries, Valentine said.

“It snowballs… if they’re disorientated, they’re more likely to be found by a predator.

“They can’t evade that predator because they’re dehydrated and not feeling too well, so it all compounds,” she said.

Members of the public are encouraged to leave water out for hedgehogs and other wildlife who may struggle in the heat and urged to report animals in need of help to wildlife centres where they can get professional care.