AT this time of year, we are asking people to take care around hedges because they provide havens for many mother hedgehogs and their litters of little hoglets, and it is important not to disturb them.
If you find a nest of little hedgehogs in your garden, please leave them be.
Mother hedgehogs don't like humans near their babies and if they sense the young have been disturbed, they may even attack them. If you hear the babies squeaking and there is no sign of their mum she could just be out foraging for worms and insects to feed them.
Make absolutely sure she is not going to return before you think of taking them to an animal shelter.
If in doubt, ask an expert before you act.
A H COLES, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Knowbury House, Knowbury, Ludlow, Shropshire.
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