WHILE humans have been enjoying a sunny, dry summer, the weather has been causing a prickly problem for some Fylde residents.

The area's hedgehogs -- usually seen only by night -- have started to appear in gardens during the day, says Janis Dean of Carleton Hedgehog Hospital.

"I'm getting reports that they are venturing out during the day looking for water, so I'm asking people if they will put out water for them," said Janis.

She also appealed for residents to put out cat food -- which is suitable for hedgehog's digestive systems -- at night.

"They'll be needing extra food in readiness for the winter, and there's nursing mums who will be finding it very difficult at the moment," Janis said.

She added: "I've had lots of inquiries from people who've said they want to put cat food out but don't want to be feeding all the neighbouring cats.

"So we've designed some specially made feeding stations -- you can put cat food inside that hedghogs can get to but not cats."

To find out more about owning a feeding station or helping hedgehogs telephone Janis on 899404.