http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8344733.stm?ls
Bald hedgehog is found abandoned
A bald hedgehog abandoned by his mother in a garden in Norfolk is being treated at a wildlife rescue centre in a bid to encourage his spikes to grow.
Baldrick, named after the character from the television programme Blackadder, was brought to Foxy Lodge wildlife rescue centre, Great Yarmouth.
He is now being cared for by Tonia and John Garner in the hope he can be eventually released into the wild.
Treatment includes antiseptic scrubs and baby oil massages.
Mr Garner told the BBC News website that Baldrick was spotted in a garden being pushed along by its mother.
He said: “They are not very good parents in the wild and if they have a family of six babies, about two will never make it.”
Baldrick’s mother eventually took her other babies away, abandoning her bald son who ended up at the wildlife centre.
Mr Garner said when Baldrick was brought in in August aged about six weeks he weighed 240g, but is now up to about 800g.
Since hedgehogs rely on their spikes for protection, Baldrick will not be released into the wild until his spikes return.
If despite treatment, he remains bald, Mr Garner said he will stay at the centre.
Video at the linked webpage.
