Help a Hedgehog Hospital founder Annie Parfitt wants people to keep a look out for prickly creatures confused by global warming.Annie, whose rescue centre is in Brimscombe, says milder winters and pesticide use mean hedgehogs are on the decline.
She says those that remain are getting confused about hibernation times.
At this time of year a hedgehog seen out in the day needs rescuing and taking to the hospital.
Mother hedgehogs are also having second litters late in the year due to the mild weather and the babies are unlikely to survive winter.
Annie, 41, says hedgehogs are being attacked by badgers and are vanishing from the landscape in certain areas.
She said: "They also climb into people's dustbin bags to shelter and get thrown away with the rubbish.
"Of course, at this time of year they hide in bonfire woodpiles made for Guy Fawkes' Night."
Annie has been fascinated by hedgehogs since childhood and, on turning 40, she decided to set up her hospital and do something positive to help support dwindling numbers in the Stroud area.
Annie works under the umbrella organisation the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. She can be contacted on 07867 974 525 or annieparfitt@sky.com.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/stroud/news/Spare-thought-little-hedgehog/article-1458097-detail/article.html
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