Record-breaking heatwaves are severely impacting hedgehogs across the UK, particularly in the South East. Rescue centres are overwhelmed with baby hoglets and dehydrated adults as high temperatures make food and water scarce. The ground has hardened, complicating the hedgehogs’ search for insects, which are vital to their diet.
The Thorne Hedgehog Rescue in Kent reports an unprecedented influx of hedgehogs needing care, with many mothers unable to provide adequate milk due to the heat. This situation is exacerbated by long-term habitat loss and climate change, which have already led to a drastic decline in hedgehog populations from an estimated 35 million in the 1950s to around 800,000 today.
As the Met Office confirms July was the driest and sunniest on record, wildlife experts warn that hedgehogs are not adapted to such extreme conditions. Other animals, including fox cubs and birds, are also suffering, highlighting a broader ecological crisis.
To support wildlife, experts encourage homeowners to create natural habitats in gardens and provide shallow dishes of water. These small actions can make a significant difference for hedgehogs struggling to forage in the heat. Every effort counts as these resilient creatures face unprecedented challenges in a rapidly changing environment.
Source: BBC News
