The brown-breasted hedgehog is the only naturally occurring species of hedgehog in Switzerland. During our missions, we very often come across hedgehogs that need help. In cooperation with hedgehog sanctuaries and vets specialising in hedgehogs, we help the spiky animals and ensure that they can be released back into their territory once they have recovered.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and territorial wild animals and generally manage without human help. The English word “hedgehog” indicates that hedgehogs prefer to build their nests under hedges. Ground-covering shrubs, overgrown brambles and piles of branches and leaves are also popular. Unfortunately, however, such places are becoming increasingly rare in our latitudes. Due to urban sprawl, the use of poisons, the destruction of habitats and insect mortality, more and more hedgehogs are dependent on us.
A hedgehog usually needs help when it
If you find a hedgehog that needs help, contact a hedgehog rescue centre immediately.
Wir arbeiten eng mit der Igelhilfe Hinwil zusammen, unterstützen aber auch weitere Igelstationen in der Schweiz mit Futter, Milchersatzpulver und weiteren Hilfsgütern.
Hedgehogs are a protected species in Switzerland. It is forbidden to capture and take in a hedgehog for no reason. Exceptions apply if a hedgehog is in an emergency situation. In exceptional cases, the animal may be secured if a specialist centre is contacted as soon as possible. The specialist centre will decide what to do with the hedgehog.