A hedgehog found roaming around a housing estate in Co Cork is recovering after a suspected fox attack.
The ISPCA recently responded to a call for help when a member of the public noticed him in Carrigaline in a disoriented state.
ISPCA senior inspector Lisa O'Donovan located the hedgehog and brought him to a local veterinary clinic in Mallow.
The hedgehog, later named George, was admitted for veterinary care.
He was suffering from a serious eye injury and was also underweight.
Ms O'Donovan said: "George is doing well in care and thankfully his injury is healing.
"Without intervention, he would not have survived the winter.
"There have been sightings of a number of foxes in the area and I suspect George may have been attacked.
"Unfortunately due to building works being carried out in the housing estate, a lot of wildlife have been displaced and this little guy was probably looking for food and somewhere warm to hibernate over the winter months".
"Sick and injured hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia and we are delighted that George is getting stronger every day."
George will now be kept at the wildlife sanctuary over the winter months, and then re-released in the spring once he receives a clean bill of health.
Hedgehogs are often known as the gardener's friend - as they like to eat insects, slugs and snails.
The ISPCA says they will do no harm in gardens, and many animal lovers make a little hedgehog house by finding a quiet shady spot out of direct sunlight with a south-facing entrance.
Hedgehogs usually hibernate from October/November through to March/April.
But during mild winters though, they can remain active well into November and December.
Anyone who finds an injured hedgehog is advised to keep direct human contact to a minimum.
They should be kept warm by placing them in a large box with plenty of clean, fresh hay and crumpled newspaper or dry leaves until help arrives.
Main Image Credit: ISPCA
