a hungry hedgehog

On Saturday we came home to an unexpected visitor behind our garden.  It was around 5pm and this little hedgehog was being barked at by a dog (who may actually have saved him!).  So I picked him up with gloves into an old fruit box and put him in our garden, where he proceeded to speed off... in search of food.. He showed no fear, but was obviously desperate to find edibles.

I wonder if he had just surfaced from hibernation.  Quite small and a bit tick ridden.  I put an egg out on a plate, which he sat in, and devoured it!  It was quite a small egg, but filling for a wee hog - I think the protein and moisture may have done him good.  However there was no interest in a second, he wouldn't hang around and took off out of the garden again.

I was quite concerned as he was heading for a busy carpark and possibly the road, when N also remembered we had hedgehog biscuits from last autumn.  So I caught up with him (now asleep between 2 bricks) and sprinkled some around.  

That caused much nose twitching, crunching, and waving of paws. Quite an amazing scene.

Last we saw he had turned round and was heading off up the hill to safer havens, and snuffling at full pelt for any other tidbits he could find!

I've never seen a live hedgehog so closely and so animated - it inspired me to get out my sketchbook and record the event!

Comments

[Pebbledash]

What a delightful encounter! Love your sketches too. Aren't hedgehogs wonderful close up? I hand reared one a few years ago, it was such a privilege.

Hope you're well!

Diana x

[suzanne]

Lovely sketches! It always surprises me how long a hedgehogs legs are. And how high they can jump!

[Bella Bheag]

Wish I could draw like that!

[sweetmyrtle]

what an amazing wee visitor which you treted with great hospitality. he may return to your 'guest house' again methinks.
immie adores hedgehogs, i'll show her your drawings later, she will love them and your story too.
a happy day to you dear friend xx