Discovered hobbling about on fractured feet, this prickly creature was in agony.

But after being taken to an animal hospital, he is well on his way to recovery - and sporting some fancy-looking footwear in the process.

Nicknamed Bootsie, this little hedgehog is currently being cared for by staff at Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital in Buckinghamshire.

The young male was taken to the wildlife hospital by a group of worried children after he was found with fractured front feet in Pinner, Middlesex.

Les Stocker Tiggywinkles founder said: 'Bootsie was found walking on his knuckles because his wrists were injured.

'We reset the wrists and plastered the legs and he now has a shallow food bowl to make it easier to eat.

'I've nicknamed him Bootsie because he looks like he is wearing little boots made from the bandages.

'He is doing very well. We'll assess his legs in two weeks time for any improvement.'


Animal lovers can help injured hedgehogs by know how to spot one that needs medical attention.

Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue has guidelines to help recognise the symptoms of a hedgehog in trouble.

Any hedgehog seen out in daylight will need urgent help, any cut or wound needs quick attention, and if it has any maggots or flies crawling on it, it requires treatment.


If a hedgehog is limping or walking strangely it needs help, as does any that look very thin or wobbly or has bald patches or missing spines.

If you see a baby hedgehog or any small hedgehog weighing less than about 500 grams, or is about the size of a large orange or small grapefruit, at any time that is out on its own, pick it up, carefully put it into a box with food and water and contact your local rescue centre for help and advice.(Source)