A HEDGEHOG has been rescued by the RSPCA after getting trapped in a drain pipe bend in Somerset.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ali Sparkes was called to help after a member of the public spotted the hedgehog in Bridgwater.
She said: “This hedgehog had fallen down this pipe and had become completely stuck in the downpipe bend. I had to resort to hammer and chisel after trying everything else.
"Thankfully I was able to reach in and remove him safely and luckily he had no obvious injuries. He was taken to a vet for checks and released the following evening.”
The animal welfare charity is hoping the picture of the trapped hedgehog reminds people to make sure any drains have covers that are in good condition to stop wild animals like hedgehogs becoming trapped.
Ali added: “Animals like hedgehogs can easily fall into uncovered drains or holes in your garden; so we recommend covering the holes or checking them every day to ensure no animals have become trapped.”
A total of 6,120 calls about sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs were made to the RSPCA’s national helpline in 2021, nearly half of which (2,591) came in during the busiest months of July (838), August (1,018) and September (735).
By far the most calls the charity received last year related to sick or weak hedgehogs (2,816), followed by injured animals (1,513).
In August alone, the RSPCA was answering an average of 23 calls a day about sick and injured hedgehogs.
Ali added: “We receive more calls about hedgehogs than about almost any other wild mammal. With a total of 6,120 calls taken last year, averaged out, we get about 17 calls a day relating to these iconic and beautiful animals.
“Because we get many calls about injured or trapped animals we have some useful tips to help keep hedgehogs safe in the garden.
"Please remember to remove sports and fruit netting, cover drains and holes, check before using a strimmer or mower, look in compost heaps before forking over and avoid using slug pellets as these are poisonous to hedgehogs."
To report concerns about an animal contact the RSPCA’s hotline on 0300 1234 999 (8am-8pm).
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
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