Hedgehogs are among the most popular and best-known native animals. They inhabited the earth around 60 million years ago. This makes hedgehogs one of the oldest mammal species.

Like all wild animals, hedgehogs belong in the wild and not in human hands. It is always better for a healthy hedgehog to spend the winter outdoors than in human care. The Federal Nature Conservation Act even prohibits the removal of hedgehogs from the wild. However, injured or sick animals may be taken in to be nursed back to health. The animals must be released into the wild as soon as they are able to survive on their own.

• Hoglets that still have closed eyes and are outside their nest. They are most likely orphaned.
• Injured hedgehogs
• Sick hedgehogs. They are often emaciated, apathetic and barely curl up. Very often these hedgehogs are out and about during the day; this is always an alarm sign in a nocturnal animal.
• Young hedgehogs that do not yet weigh 500 grams in late fall at the beginning to middle of November. They have no chance of surviving their first hibernation on their own.
• Hedgehogs that are spotted in winter with permafrost and/or a closed snow cover are almost always sick and in need of help. They are often underweight young hedgehogs or old animals whose nests have been destroyed.

• Warm hypothermic hedgehogs first. To do this, wrap a hot water bottle filled with lukewarm water in a terry towel and place it in a box. Place the hedgehog on top and cover with another towel.
• Feed the animal canned cat food or minced meat or scrambled eggs (cooked in a pan with a little oil and unseasoned). Give fresh water to drink. If the hedgehog does not eat or drink, use a syringe (without a needle!) to carefully give it lukewarm camomile or fennel tea.
• In any case, a hedgehog sanctuary or a vet who is familiar with hedgehogs should be called in as soon as possible.

• Hedgehogs in need of help can be placed with hedgehog shelters via the Wiesbaden animal shelter if the finder is unable to cope with caring for them.
• The Pro-Igel e.V. association offers further information and a map with care centers.