Gauteng urged to watch out for hedgehogs

Residents in Gauteng are urged to be on the lookout for hedgehogs in the area especially when driving at night. The Friends of Free Wildlife organisation recently shared a Facebook user’s post around what to do should you encounter one.

‘It’s raining Hedgehogs. Please be careful when driving at night. These little guys have small legs so they might not get out of your way quick enough,’ the post read.

Hedgehogs are mammals with a spiny covering.

‘If you find one in your garden, leave a bowl of water out. Make sure your pool is filled to the brim or leave floating devices for them to climb on. Check your pool every morning. Dogs attack Hedgehogs so please keep your dogs on leads when walking or call for help if your dogs find one in your garden. Please don’t use pesticides as these little guys eat all the bugs you don’t want – a natural insect solution.

‘Lastly, if you do find a hedgehog in distress, please contact Friends of Free Wildlife. They must be checked out by a vet. Often they do need medical attention. We’ve had lots of Hedgehogs in pools and a few dog catches. Thank you for caring.’

The southern African hedgehog is one of 17 species on earth. According to the EWT, the population of these small insectivores have seen a continuing decline. From 1980 to 2014, there has been an estimated 5% loss in extent of occurrence.

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