“Humane” rat traps – danger to hedgehogs
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I’m referring to those oblong metal mesh traps about 15 inches long with a 5 “ X 4” sprung flap at each end available on EBAY and elsewhere.
I had one of these but the entrance is big enough to allow hedgehogs to attempt entry. The result is they get wedged in the entrance and cannot reverse out because of their spines.
Fortunately I saw this happening on my CCTV and was able to cut open the trap and release the hedgehog. Had it been there overnight I doubt it would have survived.
So if you are using these traps please ensure the entrance size is restricted in some way.Hi Trevor
Thanks for highlighting this problem. There have been reports in the past of hedgehogs getting caught in ‘humane’ rat traps. They are able to squeeze through surprisingly small spaces – and then there are also the hoglets who are often inquisitive and can easily get themselves into trouble.
Ideally rat traps would be sited in situations where hedgehogs cannot gain access, i.e. inside buildings or high up (bearing in mind that hedgehogs are able to climb better than many people realise).
Well done for rescuing that lucky hedgehog!
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