Hedgehog in need: Animal protection association opens gates for helpful animals

Hedgehog in need: Animal protection association opens gates for helpful animals

The Vienna Animal Welfare Association is on a great alert. November presents itself as surprisingly mild, which means that hedgehogs cannot go into the relaxing hibernation that they urgently need. This warm weather has the consequence that the hedgehogs are still active, which is stressful for them both stressful and healthy.

Every year, hibernation time from November to March should be a biochemical process in which hedgehog reduces its energy consumption to a minimum. But the persistent mild temperatures disturb this natural rhythm. "What seems pleasant for humans means pure stress for the hedgehogs. These circumstances make the animals more susceptible to diseases," says a spokesman for the association. To help the hinges in need, the Vienna Animal Welfare Association therefore opens its doors in the animal protection house on Triester Strasse.

decline in hedgehog population

The problem is not just the weather. The hedgehog population has decreased dramatically over the past ten years. The World Natural Protection Union (IUCN) has now put the hedgehog on the red list. The young animals that suffer from always difficult living conditions are particularly affected. "We expect several hundred hedgehogs in the hedgehog house," reports Stephand Seidl from the Animal Welfare Association, which also points out that the number of hedgehogs has never been so high.

It is crucial that young hedgehogs are able to survive winter because they have an increased risk not to survive. One reason for this is the mild winter already mentioned, which lead to many hedgehogs end their hibernation at an early stage, which significantly affects their health. This makes them susceptible to diseases and reduces their opportunity to survive the cold months well.

important measures and recommendations

To clarify the population, the animal protection association issues instructions. It is particularly important to identify injuries or orphaned hedgehogs. Hedgehogs that are smaller than a pepper absolutely need professional help because their chances of survival in the wild go for zero. If a weakened or injured hedgehog is discovered, it is advisable to contact the Austria -wide Tiere emergency call at 01/699 24 80. The association is optimistic: "We are prepared for larger quantities," assures Scheidl.

In the middle of this concern, the commitment of the Vienna Animal Welfare Association remains of great importance to support the hedgehogs in their need. For further information on the measures of the association and the current hedgehog situation, the reporting of www.meinbezirk.at to be referred.