A pair of hedgehogs were rescued by the RSPCA, in two separate incidents in County Durham, highlighting the dangers that uncovered drains bring to wildlife.
The RSPCA officers attended the near-identical incidents after concerned homeowners found the mammals trapped in their gardens and tried to free them, but were unsuccessful.
The first of the two incidents happened in Newton Aycliffe on May 21, with the second happening in Gilesgate around ten days later.
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The adult female hedgehogs had become wedged into the drains tightly. People are now being asked to check that drains in their gardens and streets are either blocked or properly secured to prevent animals becoming trapped.
The first of the two hedgehogs, lodged two feet down, was rescued by inspector Krissy Raine, who then released the uninjured hedgehog into a safe location nearby.
The second, which was said to be 'absolutely enormous', was dehydrated and covered in ticks, and after being rescued by inspector Cathy Maddison, spent two days being cared for at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in Darlington, before itself being returned to the wild.
Inspector Cathy Maddison has spoken about the more complicated rescue of the second hedgehog, and why it is so important to ensure that drains are covered and secure.
“She was one of the biggest hedgehogs I have seen for a while and unfortunately her size meant she was stuck fast in the hole with next to no room for manoeuvre.
“She received excellent care at Stanhope Vets and I’d like to thank the team there for everything they did to get her back on the road to recovery.
“If you have an uncovered drain or an exposed pipe near your home please report it to the water or drainage company concerned, or if it’s on your land add a suitable cover so it’s not a hazard to wildlife.
“It’s not just hedgehogs; drains, pits and other open holes can also frequently trap unsuspecting creatures like amphibians and ducklings, so there are a number of animals which are at risk of injury or even worse.”
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