The Sad Effects of Global Warming on our Animals

Abandoned baby hedgehogs are too weak to hibernate
by DAVID DERBYSHIRE

These lame baby hedgehogs are casualties of the chaotic weather.

They should be asleep for the winter - but instead they are nursing their broken bones at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The RSPCA says its rescue centres are looking after hundreds of abandoned hedgehogs born during the exceptionally mild autumn and who are too small or weak to hibernate.

A baby hedgehog worse for wear after a year of chaotic weather

The odd weather has also led to a shortage of their favourite grubs, beetles, slugs and caterpillars.

RSPCA wildlife scientist Adam Grogan said: "They need to gain weight before they can hibernate."

Weak hedgehogs like the one above have broken bones and are being nursed back to health

The hedgehog with 'global balding'

A nice, soft fluffy coat is of little use to a hedgehog.

But poor old Glen is having to make do without any prickles - apparently thanks to global warming.

Vets believe his freak appearance was caused by the stress of missing out on his winter hibernation.

He was found in Peebles in the Scottish Borders long after he should have nodded off into a deep sleep until spring. He had a few prickles but now even they have fallen out.

Alison Pearson, who runs the nearby Border Beasties hedgehog sanctuary, said: "A lot of creatures miss out on hibernation. They don't recognise it is autumn because the weather is too warm or they hibernate and wake up after a few days of mild weather.

"We believe this little fellow missed out on his hibernation altogether and the stress of still being awake and trying to fend for himself has caused him to shed his prickles."

Mrs Pearson said she cannot rehome Glen until they grow back, adding: "He needs his prickly coat to survive. He does look a sorry sight."