LifestyleRSPCAThe RSCPA has important advice for anyone who spots a hedgehog roaming the streets in broad daylight after a woman stumbled on a spiky creature at 8 in the morning16:02, 27 Aug 2026Hedgehogs are known to only come out at night as they're nocturnal, but David Attenborough previously revealed how to keep them visiting your garden in summer.‌Since they're not roaming the streets in broad daylight, you'd have to be extremely lucky to catch one. That said, hedgehogs can be found all across the UK in habitats like woodland and, of course, hedges. Now one woman revealed how she spotted a hedgehog randomly wandering the streets at 8am – and her reaction has been praised online. In a Reddit post, she said: "Found him wandering around 8 in the morning, falling off steps and walking into bins and heading towards a busy main road. So I took him to the vets as I was very worried about him."‌After the hedgehog spent the night in the care of the vet, the woman received the phone call she had been anxiously waiting for.‌She continued: "[The vet] called me back and said he only has one eye but otherwise was healthy!"Collected him the next day and took him back to an area very close to where I found him and released him back into a field far away from any road."‌Since sharing the touching story on Reddit, the woman was met with an outpouring of praise from fellow users. One commented: "Aww yay well done for rescuing him! They need all the help they can get at the moment."If it hasn't rained near you recently maybe stick a little dish of water out if you haven't already near to where you found him? So nice he got to go back home after too."A third commented: "Thank you for helping this cutie." While someone else chimed in: "Well done! Thank you for being kind."‌What does the RSPCA say about hedgehogs?The RSCPA states you're more likely to encounter a hedgehog after dark. However, during the hibernation period, between November and mid-March, you might see them out and about, forging for food and gathering nesting material.Hedgehogs typically emerge from hibernation once spring arrives. Should you spot one during daylight hours, it's quite possible they are unwell or injured.It's also worth noting hedgehogs are more vulnerable during autumn, as they're unable to build enough fat reserves before hibernation. There's also an increase of lungworm in autumn.Article continues belowAnd older hedgehogs might struggle to chew and digest their food as their teeth can wear down with age.If you come across a hedgehog that appears lethargic, unsteady on its feet or surrounded by flies, it's advisable to seek medical attention for the animal.The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has a first aid guide on what to do if you find an injured or sick hedgehog.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌RedditRSPCA