A founder of an animal charity is urging people to think carefully about their waste after a hedgehog was discovered in a critical condition.
The juvenile animal was covered in sparkly residue thought to originate from a thrown-away squishy plaything.
Jo Hogbin, who runs Dottie’s Little Hog Hospital in Herne Bay, Kent, explained that the hedgehog, nicknamed Sparkle, was spotted by a member of the public on 11 August, lying beside a road.
According to Mrs Hogbin, the animal could scarcely shift her tiny limbs and one of her eyes was sealed shut, describing the situation as a dreadful state.
She explained that it appears a child discarded a toy from a vehicle window, which subsequently melted in warm weather, and the creature wandered into the substance before it solidified across her body.
The charity is hoping for the simplest explanation, that this was merely litter rather than someone deliberately applying the sticky material to the animal, as that would be truly distressing.
The hedgehog, estimated to be approximately three months old, was discovered with severely limited mobility and one eye completely stuck together by the golden-hued adhesive.
Staff at the sanctuary carefully cleaned the animal using a softening liquid to dissolve the glittering coating.
Mrs Hogbin noted that yesterday there were serious worries about one of her legs becoming stiff.
She explained that the warmth appears to have caused the material to set solid, preventing movement.
The creature received one extended soak followed by several shorter dips.
The eye has since opened and she is now mobile within the heated unit.
She is currently looking pristine and gleaming in a different manner, appearing completely lovely.
Mrs Hogbin believes that had the creature been left much longer, she would not have survived, particularly given the intense midday heat.
Sparkle continues her recuperation inside the specialist unit.
When she matures to full size, she will be returned to the wild in a garden suitable for hedgehogs.
Mrs Hogbin reported this marks another recent incident where a hedgehog came close to death because of discarded refuse.
She mentioned another hedgehog, just six weeks old, was admitted with breathing difficulties after plastic became wrapped around its throat, representing yet another piece of abandoned trash causing harm.
The organisation is presently tending to 200 hedgehogs, with half receiving treatment at the main facility and the remainder in a purpose-modified garden area.
Mrs Hogbin is calling on everyone to manage their rubbish properly.
She is encouraging people to never abandon refuse carelessly and to leave out water, noting that wild creatures are finding life difficult and require hydration above all else at this time.
She suspects the toy probably liquefied in warm conditions after being flung from a car window.
The hedgehog then stepped into the gloop, which subsequently hardened around her frame.
Although Sparkle’s healing continues, Mrs Hogbin indicated the situation could have had a far more tragic conclusion.
The charity is seeking public support through donations to assist with its operations.