With the UK expecting a heatwave after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat for later this week, animal welfare experts have urged people not to forget about wildlife. Temperatures are expected to hit 40C and may pose a “danger to life”, follow what is already expected to be a record-breaking week.
Most people will be looking to cool off and stay hydrated despite the rising heat. However, it is also important to remember our woodland creatures, as it has been warned baby hedgehogs, also known as hoglets, could die due to the weather.
But the good news is we can help. The British Hedgehog Perseveration Society is calling on people to leave out shallow bowls of water whenever “the temperature is soaring,” according to Mirror Online.
The animal charity said: “Please remember to offer shallow bowls of water for hedgehogs and other wildlife, it can literally save a life!” 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.
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.
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