HEDGEHOGS in Newport are experincing a bad case of prickly heat in the recent warm weather, with one wildlife charity treating 80 for dehydration since the last week of June.

Staff at Maindee-based City Wildlife Care also had a surprise when one of the hedgehogs they were treating for a cough gave birth to a litter of five babies.

The weather has seen the centre overwhelmed by the prickly mammals, with more than 40 still recuperating with foster parents.

The centre is rehydrating them with fluid injections and won’t release them reach a healthy weight – 400g for adults in the summer.

Centre director Catherine Hannigan said: "If you see a hedgehog shaking or wobbling, that’s generally a sign of dehydration."

Although many hedgehogs have been struggling in the heat, not all the animals brought in have been ill.

Rescue centre staff ask people who see babies out in the day to see if they can locate a larger hedgehog before interfening.

Residents can help hedgehogs in the heat by leaving out a shallow bowl of fresh water of foods, such as meat-based dog food, minced meat or chopped boiled eggs.

But they are warned not to leave cow’s milk as it is harmful to hedgehogs.

Contact City Wildlife Care on 07794 179207 for advice or to report suffering wildlife.