A HEDGEHOG rescue centre in Yate is coping with an influx of sick and struggling baby hedgehogs as the weather turns colder.

Yvonne Cox runs Hedgehog Rescue, a voluntary organisation in Yate, and is seeing an increase in the numbers of hoglets who need her help.

Concerned members of the public have been bringing the ailing animals to her for care and attention.

She said: “It's good, because it shows a growing awareness in people of hedgehog well-being.

"Finding food is the biggest problem for the autumn juveniles.

"There's no butterflies, caterpillars or beetles at this time of year. The worms have dug down deep and are less accessible, especially when the ground is frozen.

"Often the only food available is slugs and snails, but they are carriers of lungworm, which is one of the biggest killers of hedgehogs."

“With a lot of underweight hedgehogs this time of year, a good rule of thumb is if it a hog is smaller than an orange when curled up, or out during the day, then it will need specialist care.”

“With nearly 60 hedgehogs, we have reached our capacity now, but people can still ring me for advice. I will be able to let them know where there are still spaces.”

For more information call Yvonne on 01454 327715 or visit www.hedgehogrescue.webplus.net