Heat drives record demand at Tierschutz Austria hedgehog nurseries

Tierschutz Austria is currently caring for more wild animals than ever before, including around 80 young hedgehogs at its wildlife station, ORF reports. The animals are being prepared for release back into the wild while the organisation continues to search for suitable release locations.

Some of the hedgehogs weigh just 85 grams, roughly the weight of a bar of chocolate. Tierschutz Austria says hedgehogs are increasingly threatened. The western European hedgehog has been listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List since 2024.

Preparing young hedgehogs for release

Although hedgehogs are generally solitary animals, several young ones are being cared for together at the station. The arrangement is temporary, allowing them to grow in a protected environment and become strong enough to return to nature.

Older young hedgehogs can play together in the “hedgehog nurseries” and practise social behaviour before they later have to manage on their own. The youngest animals require intensive care around the clock, including special milk and warmth.

Heat increases pressure on wildlife

The hedgehogs are not the only animals arriving at the Tierschutz Austria animal shelter in large numbers. The organisation says it cared for around 1,000 wild animals in June alone. Over the past two months, it has treated more animals than it would have handled in an entire year five years ago.

Tierschutz Austria attributes the situation to persistent heat and the resulting drought. High temperatures make it harder for wild animals, especially hedgehogs, to find enough water. Their water needs also increase during mating season and while raising young. Overheated cities and heavily paved areas can make conditions even more difficult.

How to make a garden hedgehog-friendly

People with gardens can help by creating natural spaces with hiding places and a wide range of food. Hedgehogs eat worms, larvae, insects and snails, among other things, so pesticides and other poisons should not be used. Tierschutz Austria also identifies automatic lawnmowers as a particular danger.

Brushwood, roots and piles of leaves can provide natural shelter for hibernation, while special hedgehog houses can also offer protection. Depending on temperatures, hibernation usually begins around mid-November and lasts until March or April.

Not every hedgehog needs help

People who find a hedgehog should not automatically take it away. According to Tierschutz Austria, an uninjured animal that appears healthy normally does not need human assistance. Help may be needed for very small or thin animals, injured hedgehogs or animals displaying unusual behaviour.

Warning signs include a so-called hunger crease on the neck, listlessness, limping or an unsteady gait. As a rule of thumb, Tierschutz Austria says anything smaller than a pepper needs help.

If a hedgehog does need assistance, expert advice should be contacted first. As temporary first aid, a weak or cold animal can be placed in a box lined with newspaper and carefully warmed. Lukewarm water can also be offered.

People should seek advice about feeding as well. As an emergency solution, Tierschutz Austria recommends cooked egg or high-quality, protein-rich cat food. Milk, fruit and vegetables are unsuitable because they can cause severe digestive problems in insect-eating animals. Feeding only mealworms is also discouraged because their phosphorus-to-calcium ratio can cause health problems. Medication and treatment of injuries should not be given without veterinary instructions.

Searching for release gardens

Once the young hedgehogs are strong enough, Tierschutz Austria’s release team can return them to the wild. The organisation is continually looking for suitable, natural gardens. People with an appropriate garden can register it and become part of Austria’s “longest hedgehog route”.

ORF provides further information through its hedgehog tips for gardens and registration for hedgehog gardens.