
According to researcher Otto Hahn more hedgehogs die of good intentions than because of traffic.
Thousands of young hedgehogs are taken out of nature, in order to save them. Usually they die in the care of private persons. So try to control your emotion to help them and let them stay where they are, in nature.
Even if they seem to small to have a surviving chance to live through winter. If you take a little one with you, it diminishes the chances of its siblings surviving winter. In autumn hedgehogs stay close together to stay warm during hibernation.

Of course, if a hedgehog is wounded, it will need your help. Also animals that are stuck in a well or those that can drown in a pond that has steep shores.
You can also help very young animals that have been walking around for a long time, without a mother that comes to help them, will be taken care of by experienced volunteers. These people will help them get through winter.
However be prudent when you take an animal out of nature.
More information about hedgehogs you can find here.
An extra tip:
Never give milk to a hedgehog.
Milk causes such severe intestine complaints, that most hedgehogs don't survive.
If you want to do something for them, give them a bowl of water and some cat food.
Pictures:
Top picture: young hedgehog
Bottom picture: a hedgehog with ticks

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© 2005 SVRE.