England worker finds dehydrated hedgehog hiding in substation during extreme heat

During a stretch of extreme heat, a hedgehog was found hiding inside an electricity substation in Colchester, Essex.

The hedgehog, named Leccy, was severely dehydrated and needed urgent treatment after being rescued. 

Here's what to know

While carrying out maintenance at the site, UK Power Networks employee Jon Gray came across the hedgehog, the BBC reported. He said she was "shaking" and in "poor condition" when he found her.

The BBC said Hedgehog Friendly Vets — a veterinary professional-run hedgehog rescue that helps practices in North Essex and Suffolk treat sick and injured hedgehogs — later examined the animal after Gray carefully removed her and took her to an out-of-hours veterinary practice for urgent treatment. The hedgehog was later named Leccy.

"It was pure luck she was discovered when she was - she was a very hungry hog," Gray said.

Before being released back into the wild, Leccy spent another two days recovering in Gray's care.

More background

According to the BBC, registered veterinary nurse Lesley of Hedgehog Friendly Vets said Leccy was collected "within an hour to prevent her being in a stressful environment." The team then found that she was "severely dehydrated, hypothermic and underweight."

Fortunately, Leccy was able to bounce back with medical care. "She received prompt treatment and in three days put on 67g and was back to good health," Lesley said.

Once the veterinary team had stabilized her, the BBC reported that Leccy was returned to Gray, who kept her in a special pen with "ample food and water." Following advice from the hedgehog hospital, he left the pen door open so she could leave when she was ready.

What's being done?

Gray safely removed the hedgehog, a veterinary practice assessed her, and a specialist rescue team provided follow-up care.

Hedgehog Friendly Vets said anyone who finds a struggling hedgehog should seek professional help quickly rather than try to deal with a serious wildlife injury or illness alone.

Dehydration, low body temperature, and malnourishment may not always be obvious at first glance. An animal that appears weak or disoriented may need urgent medical attention, especially after exposure to heat or stress.

As Lesley put it: "We advocate for every sick or injured hedgehog found, to be taken straight to a vet. This is because vets are equipped to quickly diagnose, treat and prescribe medications that hedgehog casualties usually urgently need to improve their welfare and prevent suffering."

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