Adorable images show animal charity's first batch of hoglets born this year
The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the first batch of hoglets of the year.
The news comes as the charity is reminding people to be aware of when hedgehogs need help.
Here are some adorable pictures showing the tiny newcomers.
1. #WildlifeWise
With the hoglets being born, the SSPCA is asking people to be aware of when hedgehogs need help and to be #WildlifeWise. Photo: SSPCA
2. Record number of admissions
Last year, Scotland’s animal welfare charity saw a record number of hedgehog admissions to its dedicated wildlife hospital. Almost 2,500 hedgehogs were cared for over the year and in September and November 2019, almost 1,000 hedgehogs needed taking in and looking after. Photo: SSPCA
3. Unprecedented numbers
Steven Gray, wildlife manager said: “The numbers we saw last year were unprecedented. Due to the time of year when many hedgehogs arrived, they didn’t increase their body mass enough to survive hibernating in the wild so they had to stay with us until spring." Photo: SSPCA
4. What to do with a hoglet in need
If a hedgehog is spotted out during the day then the SSPCA advises people to contact it. But it's important to note that around birthing time, adult hedgehogs might just be moving from one nesting site to another. Any adult that looks in good body condition is likely to be doing this and they do not need SSPCA's help. If a hoglet or young hedgehog is on its own or if a hedgehog looks thin or wobbly then people should contact the animal charity's helpline. Photo: SSPCA