When Katie Walton, founder of Katie’s Wildlife Rescue in the UK, answered a recent emergency call, she had no idea just how unusual the case would turn out to be. The caller explained that a nest of hedgehogs had been discovered in distress, and Katie immediately grabbed her supplies and headed out the door.
“I was shocked when I heard the details,” Katie recalled. “Five babies and their mum all together — that’s very rare. Usually, I’ll see one to three hoglets in a nest, but five is extraordinary.”
A Nest In Danger
The hedgehog family had chosen a quiet corner of a garden to build their home. Sadly, their safety was suddenly threatened by a curious cat who had been prowling nearby. Worried that the cat might injure the hedgehogs, the homeowners quickly stepped in and gently lifted the family out of harm’s way.
By the time Katie arrived, the hedgehogs were bundled together in a bucket, camouflaged among twigs and leaves. For a moment, Katie said it almost looked like a pile of garden debris rather than a group of tiny lives in need.
“When I looked closely and saw all those little prickly bodies squirming together, I couldn’t believe it,” Katie said.
From Bucket To Safety
Katie carefully transported the family back to her rescue center. The first step was a full health check to make sure both mum and babies were stable. Once settled, she moved them into a large outdoor animal run where they would be safe, warm, and well-fed.
There, the hog family thrived. They feasted on nutritious meals several times a day, growing stronger with each passing week. Katie described watching them waddle around their new enclosure as one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
A Joyful Release
Just over a month later, the hedgehogs were ready for the next chapter. Their spines had strengthened, their weight was healthy, and their natural instincts were sharp. It was time to go home.
Katie carried the family back to the wild and gently opened their carrier. One by one, the hedgehogs toddled out, disappearing into the undergrowth where they belonged.
“It felt amazing to watch them go,” Katie said with a smile. “It’s always bittersweet because you get attached, but knowing they’re safe and free is the best reward. It’s a privilege to care for them, even for a short time.”
Why This Rescue Matters
Hedgehogs are facing serious challenges in the UK. Their numbers have been declining steadily due to habitat loss, road traffic, and predation. Every successful rescue and release helps strengthen the population, and each litter of hoglets represents hope for the species’ survival.
Katie hopes that stories like this one will inspire more people to look out for local wildlife. “If you ever come across a hedgehog out during the day or in an unsafe spot, reach out to a rescue. They depend on us noticing when something isn’t right.”
Thanks to Katie’s quick response — and a little bucket that kept them safe — one hedgehog mum and her five babies are now back where they belong: wild, free, and thriving.
