Xrobb L-Għaġin’s Nature Park and Wildlife Rehab Centre shared the story of little Munchkin, a young juvenile hedgehog who was found in Victoria Gozo showing symptoms of poisoning.

Munchkin was shaking, foaming at the mouth and was unable to walk.

‘She has been treated by our vet and is so far showing signs of improvement but she is still not out of the woods yet’, the wildlife team explained.

‘As she is still unable to walk, she also has to be given food and water by syringe to keep her strength up. If she had not been found by a member of the public, she definitely would not have survived.’

‘We urge people to consider the unintended victims of poisonings. Our vet suspects this was a case of snail poison but we cannot say for sure. Very often our local wildlife falls victim to poisons and pesticides that are left out intending to kill other species. Hedgehogs are a natural pest controller as they eat insects such as snails, slugs, worms, beetles and other insects.’

‘Thankfully it looks like this little one was found in time and our volunteers and Vets will continue to care for her in the hope that she will make a full recovery.’

All the animals rescued are protected species and it is illegal to keep them as pets or harm them in Malta.

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