The Roadside Rescue

A kind-hearted woman spotted what she thought was a baby hedgehog on the side of a busy road. Being an animal lover in her sixties or seventies, she knew that seeing a hedgehog out during daylight hours usually means something is wrong. Without hesitation, she sprang into action to save the spiky ball of fluff.

Taking great care, she avoided touching the creature with her bare hands. Instead, she gently placed it into a box and brought it to the safety of her home.

Proper Wildlife Care

Once home, the woman did everything by the book for proper wildlife care. She created a cozy setup for her tiny patient, placing the box in a warm, dark spot to help the animal feel secure. She even added some cat food - a common emergency meal for hedgehogs - and then left it alone to recover without causing extra stress.

The woman knew that minimizing human contact was important for wild animals. She gave her little rescue space, hoping it would eat and regain its strength overnight.

Morning Concerns

When morning came, the woman checked on her prickly patient and became worried. The supposed hedgehog hadn't moved at all during the night. Even more concerning, it hadn't touched any of the food she'd provided.

Concerned that the creature's condition was worse than she thought, she decided to seek professional help right away.

The Wildlife Hospital Visit

The woman carefully transported her rescue to Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital. She explained to the staff how she'd found the tiny creature and detailed all the steps she'd taken to care for it. She expressed her willingness to do whatever was needed to help the little hoglet recover.

But the wildlife experts had surprising news for the well-meaning rescuer.

The Fuzzy Truth Revealed

What the woman had rescued with such care wasn't a baby hedgehog at all - it was a beanie pom pom! The fuzzy decorative ball had fooled her completely with its spiky appearance.

Despite the mix-up, the wildlife hospital staff praised the woman for her actions. They pointed out that she had done everything correctly, following all the proper steps someone should take when finding an injured hedgehog.

A Lighthearted Moment

The wildlife hospital staff noted that animal rescues can be challenging and sometimes emotionally difficult work. This harmless case of mistaken identity provided much-needed laughter for everyone involved.

The woman's compassion shined through despite the mix-up. Her willingness to help a creature in need - even one that turned out to be made of yarn - showed true kindness and concern for wildlife.