RSPCA warning as hedgehogs rescued in Newton Aycliffe

RSPCA officers attended identical incidents within days of each other in County Durham after concerned householders had found the mammals trapped in their gardens and tried unsuccessfully to free them.

The first incident happened at a property in Newton Aycliffe on Sunday, May 21, followed by another about 17 miles away at an address in Gilesgate ten days later.

In both instances the adult female hedgehogs had fallen and become wedged, face-down, in an uncovered drain. 

Hedgehog stuck in uncovered drain in County Durham. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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The charity is hoping pictures from the incidents will remind people to check drains in their gardens and streets and ensure they are either blocked or properly secured with covers to prevent animals from getting trapped.

The first hedgehog, which was lodged about two feet (0.6 metres) down, was rescued by RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine. Thankfully uninjured, she was released in a safe location nearby.

The second hedgehog, described as ‘absolutely enormous,’ by inspector Cathy Maddison, was dehydrated and covered in ticks and spent two days being cared for by staff at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in Darlington before being returned to the area near where she was found last Friday (June 2).

Thankfully the hedgehog was alright after a trip to the vet. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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Inspector Maddison said: “She was one of the biggest hedgehogs I have seen for a while and unfortunately her size meant she was stuck fast in the hole with next to no room for manoeuvre.

“She received excellent care at Stanhope Vets and I’d like to thank the team there for everything they did to get her back on the road to recovery.

“The homeowners at both incidents Krissy and I attended were very concerned about what had happened and with hedgehog numbers in decline, it was nice for us to be able to release both of them back into the wild unharmed.

“If you have an uncovered drain or an exposed pipe near your home please report it to the water or drainage company concerned, or if it’s on your land add a suitable cover so it’s not a hazard to wildlife.

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“It’s not just hedgehogs; drains, pits and other open holes can also frequently trap unsuspecting creatures like amphibians and ducklings, so there are a number of animals which are at risk of injury or even worse.”  

People are also reminded to check for wildlife before using strimmers or mowers in their garden, to remove sports netting and to look through compost heaps before forking over.