Survivor Noah hogs the limelight (From York Press)

Hedgehogs seeking new homes

8:50am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Gavin Aitchison, gavin.aitchison@thepress.co.uk

WHEN he was plucked from floodwaters by rescue teams he was suffering from pneumonia, in severe shock and at death’s door.

But now, battling Noah the hedgehog has fought back to full fitness – and is looking for a new home.

Selby Wildlife Rescue, which saved Noah and nursed him back to health, want to hear from anyone who can give him and two female mates a good home.

Annette Pyrah, founder of Selby Wildlife Rescue, said: “Noah is one lucky hedgehog. Not only was he spotted struggling to escape the icy waters, I was able to fish him out and get him straight to the vets.

“Noah was kept warm, given antibiotics and has now grown into a large handsome fellow. He still has a few rattles in his chest, but the vet says this is due to the scarring on his lungs caused by the pneumonia.

“I did not expect him to survive the night, but survive he did. We have had him for two months now and he is quite a character. I will be sad to see him go.”

Noah was deep in hibernation when the Ouse flooded late last year and was one of a number of animals affected by the floods.

Annette said the rescue centre has seen barn owls and tawny owls starving and half the weight they should be and some underweight baby hedgehogs had been brought in, having been born in November, when hedgehogs should be in hibernation.

Anyone able to help should be prepared to supplement feed Noah until he goes back into hibernation. He will need a hibernation box and his new home should not be near a road or pond or have visiting badgers.

Annette will also release two females, Sugar and Spice, with Noah to help boost the hedgehog population. Help and advice will be given in return for a donation.

Anyone interested can phone Annette on 07803 180720 or 01757 290459 or visit selbywildlife.co.uk