Bald Hedgehog Named Ollie Recovers After Fungal and Bacterial Infections

A hedgehog, nicknamed Ollie, is being cared for by the wildlife charity 'Prickles in a Pickle' after losing all its prickles due to a ringworm and bacterial infection. Vets discovered Ollie covered in crusts, which caused him to bleed at the mouth and left him with very few spines.

The charity, located in Stoke Fleming, Devon, is treating Ollie, who has experienced a slow recovery and is not yet ready for release. The unseasonably warm weather in the UK has been cited as a factor in the survival of infections and parasites that would typically be eliminated by winter frost.

Judy Thomson, co-founder of Prickles in a Pickle, stated that Ollie's facial crusts were so severe he struggled to eat, leading to painful bleeding. "He’s looking a lot better now. His skin is better and not as crusty. He’s eating independently, maintaining his weight," Thomson said. She added that while it is not ideal for a wild animal to be in captivity long-term, improvement is a positive sign.

Ollie's unusual appearance has garnered significant attention online, with many comparing him to objects like an avocado, a rolled-up sock, or a large potato. Thomson initially posted a video of Ollie to show volunteers and the public what a prickle-less hedgehog looks like.

The charity, run by Thomson and her partner Alan Pook, faces annual costs of £65,000 to £70,000. In the past seven years, the number of hedgehogs they care for annually has increased from about 40 to over 1,000, with up to 200 in residence at any given time.

Ollie has become the "poster hog" for the charity's fundraising efforts, and posts about him have helped raise nearly £5,000. Thomson emphasized the importance of supporting local rescues and caring for British wildlife, noting that hedgehogs are not typically seen during the day unless they are unwell.