Passerby spots hedgehog in wall, and rescuers call escape 'nothing short of a miracle'

After being found lodged deep inside a wall in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France, a hedgehog is recovering from an ordeal an animal charity described as "nothing short of a miracle."

The incident unfolded on Old St John's Road in St. Helier after a passer-by noticed the animal wedged in a narrow space.

Here's what to know

According to BBC News, Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals out-of-hours ambulance driver Bex Pontin freed the male hedgehog using a long-handled net and, ultimately, a rake handle.

She said the hedgehog was trapped in an "extremely narrow opening," which made the operation especially challenging.

The charity said an "eagle-eyed passer-by" had "almost certainly saved his life." It added, "After a lot of patience, perseverance and creative teamwork, Bex successfully guided him into the net and brought him safely to freedom."

The Jersey Animal Hedgehog Preservation Group, which called the JSPCA to the scene, said the rescue was particularly difficult because of how tight the space was.

"Bex never gave up; she kept on trying to get the hog into the net down this very narrow shaft in the end of the wall," the group said. "After much perseverance she got him into the net with the handle end of the rake."

The hedgehog weighed 24 ounces (700 grams).

The group said he has "short front claws from trying to climb up the inside of the shaft and two little sores on his nose, but otherwise seems unhurt."

More background

The rescue comes as animal charities continue to warn that repeated heatwaves are making survival harder for hedgehogs.

Finding food is one of the main problems. As the soil becomes dry and compacted, hedgehogs can have a harder time digging for insects, one of their main food sources.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said hot weather has led to a 30% rise in hedgehogs being orphaned and left dehydrated.

What can be done?

To help hedgehogs more generally, Gill Morgan of Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group said residents can leave shallow bowls of water in their gardens and offer small amounts of dry cat or dog food.

Morgan's advice was simple: "The water bowls should be filled morning and evening."

If you notice a trapped or endangered hedgehog, contacting a rescue organization is likely the best option.

Where can I learn more?

Hedgehog rescues and conservation efforts cover everything from emergency saves to signs of hedgehogs returning to gardens and new work from vets and wildlife groups.

• In England, vets treated a hedgehog found wandering midday and sent her home by morning.

• Rescuers found a week-old hedgehog near death in the rain and nursed it back to health.

• Across U.K. gardens, hedgehogs are returning after years of decline, delighting residents.

• In Finland, WWF's hedgehog livestream is charming viewers while raising concern for the species.

• Scientists are using artificial intelligence to monitor hedgehog populations as conservation concerns deepen.

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