An animal rescue centre is calling on people to be on the look out for undernourished hedgehogs as the cold weather sets in.

At this time of year, a hedgehog should weigh around 500g, but some wildlife centres are taking in hogs weighing just 100g. Experts believe milder weather has led to later births, and these hedgehogs are too young and small to be able to survive winter hibernation.

Medway Hedgehog Rescue, run by mum Kelly Smith from her home in Strood, is looking after around 16 poorly and underweight creatures.

Mrs Smith said: “Hedgehogs usually have two or three litters in a year but because of the long mild spell, babies have been born later. As the temperature drops, the mums have got to look after themselves and get ready for hibernation so they tend to leave the babies to fend for themselves.”

Usually, hedgehogs are nocturnal so if you see one during the day, then something is wrong.

Mrs Smith, 40, said: “The little ones are so hungry they are getting up during the day to try to find food. At this time of the year a hedgehog’s natural source of food, such as beetles and caterpillars, is scarce. It is especially difficult for the little ones. If they are too smll, they cannot hibernate safely”

Recent intakes by Medway Hedgehog Rescue have included Collette who was rescued from an alleyway where she was being attacked by two cats, Bella who was trapped in a garage and Harriett who was found curled up on lawn. Little ones have included Coolio, who was rescued from a busy road, weighing just 150g, and Ivy who was brought in weighing 160g after being found wandering around a garden.

Mrs Smith and her daughter Tayla nurse the hedgehogs back to health or fatten them up until they are strong enough to cope on their own. They need to weigh about 600g to released back in the wild and 650g to hibernate. At this time of year, it means some of the hedgehogs will be with her until the spring.

If you see a hedgehog out during the day or see a hedgehog in distress, contact Kelly on 01634 303021 or

07504597454. You can also email medwayhedgehogrescue@gmail.com