By Chris Percival · 2 June 2026 · Wildlife Advice

Five Signs a Hedgehog Needs Your Help

A hedgehog in long grass

Hedgehogs are one of the animals we’re called out for most often, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Here’s what to watch for, and what to do if you find one that needs help.

  • Out and about in daylight, moving slowly or unsteadily
  • Visibly injured, or lying on its side
  • Very small and out alone in fading light, likely too young to be independent
  • Covered in flies or fly eggs

If you spot any of these signs, place the hedgehog in a high sided box with a towel, keep it somewhere warm and quiet, and get in touch with us straight away.

Written by Chris Percival

Chris Percival is the founder of Cambridgeshire WIRE, an independent wildlife rescuer based in Horningsea. She has spent years hand rearing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned native wildlife, and believes teaching people to care about wildlife matters just as much as treating it. Every article on this site is written or checked by Chris before it goes live.

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