A WILDLIFE hospital has appealed for residents to check for hedgehogs before lighting bonfires this autumn.
Orsett-based South Essex Wildlife Hospital has made its plea during a particularly perilous period for wildlife.
Residents have been urged to thoroughly check any bonfires before they are lit this month.
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A spokesperson for South Essex Wildlife Hospital said: “For hedgehogs, a large pile of wood ready for a bonfire makes a perfect home and, horrifically, many of them can't get out in time when the flames start (and that's not even getting into the distress fireworks can cause).
Every year, we (and many other wildlife rescues) admit many burnt hedgehogs with horrendous injuries.
“Please, if you are planning on a bonfire this year, make sure you thoroughly check it (and, ideally, move it to a new location) to keep any prickly safe.
“You may well save a life by doing so.”
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