A hedgehog was found “handing himself in” at the St John Ambulance Station late on Wednesday night.
He wasn’t fessing up to any spiky crimes, but was admitting himself to being looked after.
The hedgehog, who’s now been named ‘Snotty’, presented himself to the St John team who realised that he was in need of help.
The team took him to the GSPCA Wildlife Hospital facilities where Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, was on duty who then performed the necessary checks and admitted him into the Intensive Care Unit.
Mr Byrne said: “We are incredibly grateful to the St John team for spotting that Snotty needed help and bringing him into us so quickly.
“He was not in the best of condition when he arrived and required treatment, including the removal of several ticks, before being settled into intensive care.
“At the moment he is resting comfortably and receiving the care he needs. Cases like this are a reminder of just how important it is for people to act quickly when they see wildlife in difficulty.”
Islanders are being asked to remember to look out for hedgehogs who might need urgent care.
If they are out during the day, lying exposed, appearing thin or wobbly, have wounds or bald patches, or maggots and flies are around them, then a hedgehog is in need of assistance.
Mr Byrne said: “Hedgehogs are one of the most common wildlife patients we care for at the GSPCA.
“Every year we help hundreds of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and we would encourage anyone who finds a hedgehog that appears unwell to contact us for advice as soon as possible.”
If anyone sees a hedgehog that needs help they are asked to contact the charity on 01481 257261 for advice and assistance.
Hedgehogs face dangers from many everyday things like strimmers, drains, litter, netting, slug pellets, bonfires and garden ponds without escape routes.
While animals like Snotty are being rescued and looked after, the GSPCA is currently in the midst of building its new Wildlife Hospital
Mr Byrne added: “Every wildlife patient we admit, including hedgehogs like Snotty, relies on the generosity of our community. The new Wildlife Hospital will transform the way we care for thousands of wild animals every year, but we still need support to complete the project and continue helping the animals that arrive at our doors day and night.”
