Warnings re hedgehogs in Autumn and contacts for injured animals

The hedgehog drank some water before being taken to the vet

Following my social media post yesterday regarding an injured hedgehog found at the back of my house, Brent Parks Forum has sent the following information. Suzanne from the Forum took it to a vet but unfortunately it was too badly injured to treat. The hog was very wobbly and staggering in a circle and surrounded by flies when found.

Hedgehogs in Autumn:  

We have had 3 hedgehogs die within 2 weeks that we know of in Brent.   Two died from suspected strimmer use, which seems to have been used under hedges where hedgehogs were hiding/sleeping.  One hedgehog had been run- over in a Brent Parks field (Barham Park). 

If anyone finds a hedgehog in their garden or in a local Brent park or on the street that is staggering, circling in a disorientated manner, also if the hog has flies settling on wounds.  [If you see a lot of little white/cream coloured maggots/eggs there will be a wound].  

There are a few vets that will go the extra mile to save injured hedgehogs.  

1. Hendon Medivet -  89-91 Watford Way, Hendon NW4 4RS   

    Tel: 020 8202 6344  Badly injured Hogs.  

2. Lulubells Rescue - also rehab. of badly injured hogs, if they have

    volunteers.   

    Become a volunteer for Lulubells Rescue  -  Volunteer | Lulubells Rescue

3.  Please call the BHPS (British Hedgehog Preservation Society).

    - 01584 890 801 for further advice and numbers of local carers/rescues.
    If out of hours there is an answerphone, press option 1.  

    [However,  their recommended vets may not be fully prepared to

    rehab badly injured hogs].  

• Pick them up with gloves, wrap in a towel and place in a high sided box.  
• Make sure you take the box inside and leave in a quiet room away from loud noises.  Do NOT leave it outside.
• Provide them with a hot-water bottle (Not scalding hot, just warm) or even better if you have a pet microwavable heat pad.  Allow extra space inside the box to allow them to move away from the heat source if they become too hot.
• Provide water - never milk.   Meaty cat food, not bread or grains.

 

Do check piles of leaves, compost etc before setting fire to them.

WEMBLEY HERON UPDATE: Walkers asked to keep rescuers informed of sightings

 

The unfortunate heron (Photo: Amanda Rose)

There was no positive identification of the Barn Hill heron on the pond today but it is thought to be still in the Brent area. 

This Grey Heron is now High Priority and multiple sanctuaries and rescue teams are working together round the clock to help him. 

Please do not approach the heron to try and free it youself. The beak is sharp and could harm you if the bird panics. 

Help the Heron signs posted on Barn Hill pond

 

Local photographer Amanda Rose has designed posters to display on Barn Hill pond today. The pond was frozen over this morning and the heron had not appeared.

Obviously the heron has to be at the pond to be given help so there are phone numbers on the notice to alert agencies.  The public are advised NOT to approach the heron to help themselves - they could be injured or could injure the heron.