A large hedgehog, nicknamed Hercules, has been rescued by a wildlife center after becoming trapped in a shed door. The hedgehog weighed 3.3 pounds, which is nearly double the size of a typical adult hedgehog.

Hermes was brought to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, following the incident. Hedgehogs commonly gain weight in the autumn to prepare for winter hibernation, but Hercules's size surprised the hospital volunteers.

After a period of recuperation at the hospital, Hercules was released back into the wild to begin his hibernation. A spokesperson for Tiggywinkles stated that while it's natural for hedgehogs to build fat reserves, a hedgehog being too large to roll into a protective ball can be problematic, though Hercules was not affected in this way.

The hospital provided Hercules with health checks and monitoring during his recovery. He received veterinary clearance before being returned to his natural habitat.

This rescue occurred shortly after another hedgehog, named Ollie, was saved by the charity 'Prickles in a Pickle.' Ollie was found to be suffering from ringworm and a bacterial infection that caused significant hair loss and skin crusting. Warmer weather in the UK has reportedly delayed the usual winter frost that would normally eliminate such parasites.

Ollie's recovery has been slow, and he is still unable to be released. His unusual appearance garnered significant online attention, with many comparing him to objects like a jacket potato or a rolled-up sock. Judy Thomson, co-founder of Prickles in a Pickle, noted the severity of Ollie's condition, which affected his ability to eat.

Ollie has become a fundraising ambassador for his rescue charity, and social media posts about him have helped raise nearly £5,000. The charity faces annual costs of £65,000 to £70,000 and has seen a significant increase in the number of hedgehogs they care for, rising from approximately 40 per year seven years ago to over 1,000 annually.

Thomson emphasized the need for public assistance for hedgehogs, particularly those without spines, as they lack a primary defense mechanism. She highlighted the importance of protecting British wildlife and urged the public to contact local rescues if they have concerns about a hedgehog's well-being, noting that hedgehogs are typically nocturnal and rarely seen out during the day unless unwell.