Garden Netting

Garden netting can be a hazard for hedgehogs as they can easily get tangled up in it. A hedgehogs spines prevent them from reversing when trapped and as they struggle the spines further constrict the netting. 

If you are using netting, please leave a gap of 8 inches from the ground and ensure that it is safely secured so that hedgehogs can easily pass under it. This applies to all pea netting, tennis nets, football nets etc. Unused netting should be stored safely away. We find many different wildlife get caught in this netting. Hedgehogs can sometimes pass through but their spins prevent them for getting back and once caught. Injuries can swell causing further constriction and in extreme cases can lead to a hedgehog dying. We see tiny hedgehogs caught and hung in netting so please be careful. If you find a hedgehog caught in netting please get him or her checked by your vet or your nearest wildlife rescue centre before you release them back. 

Barbed wire should also be kept above ground level and should never be left trailing or carelessly discarded.  If you do find a hedgehog tangled up in some garden netting, call a veterinarian or your local wildlife rescue do not release straight way as swelling can happen days later.