Trapped "wedge-hog" freed by animal rescuers after becoming stuck in gate

The poor hedgehog was labelled as a “wedgehog” after being found in a pickle in Bramley on Sunday.

Jack Taylor, RSPCA rescuer inspector, was on hand to save the trapped creature.

He said: “The podgy little porker had tried to push through the metal bars of a garden gate and got himself well and truly stuck.

“Our call-taker who logged the report from the member of the public who found the little hedgehog aptly named him ‘wedgehog’ when they tasked me the job!

“Thankfully, I was able to arrive quickly and carefully squeeze him backwards out of the railings.

“I checked him over and he’d not suffered any injuries, luckily, so I popped him in some bushes at the bottom of the garden so that he could toddle back to his hoggy home.”

The RSPCA said the hedgehog was “not injured” but urged people to “take care around wild animals, to keep a safe distance and to monitor them”.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This hedgehog, or ‘wedgehog’ as we have nicknamed him, found himself in a tricky predicament today in Rotherham.

“If you cannot free themself or if you’re concerned that they’re sick or injured, please call our emergency line on 0300 1234 999 for advice.

“Wild animals can bite or scratch when frightened, particularly if they are injured or sick.

“If you’re able to safely confine the animal, then it may be quickest to take the animal directly to a vet or local wildlife rehabilitator.”

You can find details of your nearest vet or wildlife rehabilitator at  https://tinyurl.com/v3t7jbbe.