We’re in bit of a prickle... hedgehog bites tot’s toe as she sleeps with mum
A MOTHER has told how her little girl woke up in agony...to find a hedgehog hanging from her toe.
The prickly mammal found its way into a family home and sank its teeth into Elsie Fowler, three, as she was sleeping with her mother Chelsey.
Chelsey was stunned when she ripped off the covers at 4.15am to see the female hedgehog clamped to Elsie’s little toe.
Hysterical
The care worker, 32, said: “Elsie woke up screaming.
“In a blind panic I grabbed her leg to find out what was wrong and this hedgehog was hanging off her right baby toe.
“I pushed it off her foot and it scarpered under the wardrobe.
“Elsie was absolutely hysterical – she’d never seen a hedgehog before or even knew what it was.”
Luckily the hedgehog avoided the nearby cot where Elsie’s sister Gracie, 18 months, was sleeping.
Chelsey, who has two other children, Charlie, 10, and Evie, eight, said: “She was quite a big lady, this hedgehog. She is massive.
“I was trying to get my other two children to school and saying I was running late because of this hedgehog. I don’t think they believed me!”
After being checked at an animal sanctuary the hedgehog was returned to the family in Stratfordupon-Avon, Warks.
Chelsey believes the hedgehog must have come in during the day after being disturbed when the family was gardening.
At least a foot away...Elsie, three, at home with the hedgehog and, inset, her mum Chelsey. Left, the animal’s bite mark left on poor Elsie’s little toe
Rescue charity Hedgehog Friendly Town said: “We have had three hedgehogs that have found their way into houses this year. They are great at climbing.
“This female may well have been looking for a place to nest as it’s baby season. Also, with the weather being so warm they are desperately in need of water.”
The centre has given Elsie a knitted hedgehog toy and some food for their uninvited guest.
It said: “We have invited Elsie to come and see our hedgehog hogspital when social distancing allows it.”