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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Amber O'Connor

Brits urged to put bowl of water out to 'save' baby hedgehogs from heatwave

People across the UK are bracing themselves after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat for later this week, with fears the mercury could rise to 40C.

The climbing temperatures, which could pose a "danger to life", follow what is already expected to be a record-breaking week.

And so many of us are seeking ways to keep cool and stay safe despite the rising heat.

But it is also important to remember our woodland friends, as it has been warned baby hedgehogs, also known as hoglets, could die due to the weather. The good news is we can help.

The British Hedgehog Perseveration Society has urged people to leave out shallow bowls of water whenever "the temperature is soaring".

Like humans, hedgehogs need to keep hydrated during the heatwave (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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The animal charity said: "Please remember to offer shallow bowls of water for hedgehogs and other wildlife, it can literally save a life!"

And Berkshire-based rescue centre Hedgehog Bottom has already reported seeing the effects of this week's heatwave.

In a post shared online, the sanctuary shared how it came to the rescue of a dehydrated hoglet, which weighed less than 100g when found.

Hedgehog Bottom rescued a hoglet (Hedgehog Bottom / Facebook)

It also reiterated the importance of placing "shallow dishes of fresh water out around your garden" and "topping them up".

Sharing advice everyone can follow to help hedgehogs and their furry friends during the heatwave, the London Wildlife Life issued guidance explaining how best to care for wild creatures.

It recommends leaving out shallow water dishes for "thirsty birds, mammals, and even insects", but adds you should place a small stone in the centre to help any insects that may fall in.

If you have a garden with a bird bath, you can also fill this with clean water to help birds keep their feathers feeling fresh.

Another tip for bird lovers is to keep any feeders topped up, or you can scatter food like soaked raisins and apple chunks on the floor.

Ponds are also important for many creatures, so it helps to top these up using rainwater or a little tap water.

And lastly, like us, animals need shade. Wherever you can leave out logs and stone slabs, or leave a section of your garden long with wild grass, frogs, toads and newts will all be grateful for the shelter.

Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

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