A rare albino hedgehog that was found at “death’s door” is set to make a full recovery after being rescued by a six-year-old boy.
The hedgehog – which has been named Jack Frost – was infested with parasites, dehydrated and malnourished when it was spotted by Ruben Wiggins in Otley, West Yorkshire, and taken to a nearby rescue centre.
And after treatment at Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue, Jack will soon be well enough to be released back into the wild.
Diane Cook, the founder of Prickly Pigs, said Ruben spotted the hedgehog “wobbling in the middle of the road” at about 5pm.
She said: “He shouted to his mum to come quick as he knew the hedgehog needed help and shouldn’t be out during the day.
“They hurried to get a box and coaxed it out from under a stationary car. They offered some food, borrowed from a local neighbour who feeds hedgehogs, and water.”
She continued: “When we got Jack Frost inside, we examined him carefully and the poor thing had a large number of ticks, fleas and fly eggs, which took many hours to remove. He was severely dehydrated and malnourished and at death’s door.”
The centre hand fed the hedgehog until it was strong enough to feed itself and treated it for parasites.
Mrs Cook added: “Jack is now well on the way to a full recovery and will be released back into the wild.”
Albino hedgehogs have white or creamy-coloured spines and fur and red eyes and are able to survive well in the wild.
Donations to buy emergency equipment for Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pricklypigs
