Hedgehog saved in Region A
HALFWAY HOUSE – A hedgehog was saved and cared for by the Region A Pest Control Office.
The Region A Pest Control Office cared for an injured hedgehog which is currently housed a the Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve.
Acting deputy director of area base management in Region A Pierre Nel said that the adult male South African hedgehog was brought to the office at the Halfway House Clinic.
The hedgehog was found to be traumatised and had a patch of spines missing from its back, with the latter caused by a suspected dog pawing the animal.
Nel added, “The badly traumatised animal was adopted by the pest control staff, which after examining it, found that it had no serious injuries. The hedgehog was placed in a large cage and was fed cat food and meal worms.
“It was then cared for by the staff for two weeks until it was able to be released at the Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve, which is the nearest suitable reserve to where it was found.”
South Africa hedgehogs occur naturally in Region A with large plots that provide shelter and foraging areas for these creatures. Nel called on residents to be aware of these animals which are currently waking up from their winter hibernation and will be wondering in the area as summer approaches.
“Please do not harm them.They are a protected species and are our natural pest controllers. Rather pick them up gently, while protecting your hands with garden gloves, and transfer them to a safe area away from motor vehicles, pets or people that may harm them.”
If any community members come across an injured hedgehog, they can call the region A pest control offices at
010 224 0055.
Details: www.joburg.org.za
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https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/218230/couple-replanted-forest-brazil-animals-many-endangered-returned/
