The
number of hedgehogs being rescued by the Scottish SPCA has increased by almost
10% in the last 12 months.
The
National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire said 707 of the spiny
mammals were taken in during 2012, compared with 647 the previous year and 650
in 2010.
The
animal charity said the creatures had been victims of sudden cold snaps.
Already
this year, the SSPCA centre at Fishcross is caring for 27 hedgehogs struggling
with the low temperatures.
Staff
said they were preparing to welcome more of the animals as forecasts for poor
weather conditions continue.
Weather
threats
Centre
manager Colin Seddon said: "We think the sudden cold snaps we've
experienced during what has been a relatively mild winter has caught a lot of
these hedgehogs off guard.
"They
may have thought it was warm enough to be out and then, when the temperature
dropped suddenly, they were left vulnerable to the elements.
"Another
factor is heavy rain spells as these will have washed some of the hedgehogs
away from their nests."
He
added: "We are continuing to take in hedgehogs due to the return of snow
and freezing temperatures.
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