Winter homes wanted for hedgehogs

Many young hedgehogs have failed to put on enough weight to survive the winter

Shorter days and lower temperatures are a signal for hedgehogs to hibernate, but many have failed to make the weight needed to survive.

Wildlife expert Liz Pyatt who runs Hedgehog Haven in Tiptree is currently looking after 20 hedgehogs.

"[Numbers are] a bit higher than than it normally is this time of the year," said Liz.

"We've had such a terribly dry, hot summer that they haven't been able to find much of their natural food."

Liz also explained how many hedgehogs are really struggling, unable to find much water.

"I think that's why we've got a lot of very small, very skinny underweight thin hedgehogs," said Liz.

According to Liz, an underweight hedgehog would be similar in size to a tennis ball.

Its size means it would be too small to build up the fat reserves needed to survive the winter hibernation.

Sometimes it is not safe for the hedgehogs to return to their old homes

Liz is currently looking for more homes for some of the hedgehogs in her care.

"We're always desperate to find good homes for them with suitable gardens for them to go back into," said Liz.

"We'll have plenty to rehome especially when they start waking up after the hibernation," she added.