A RESCUED hedgehog was left with a bright new hair style after being inadvertently dyed pink.

Flies had laid eggs in its spikes, which had turned into maggots, when the baby hedgehog was discovered by a farmer’s daughter near Collingbourne Ducis.

Using an industrial spray that is usually given to livestock to get rid of flies, the little hedgehog was cured but left with a pink tinge.

He was then taken to the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Salisbury where he is being nursed back to health.

The hospital looks after around 600 injured hedgehogs a year, including around 150 which are kept in over the winter for protection.

Marilyn Korkis, a supervisor at the wildlife hospital, said that they would use powder to kill maggots and recommend calling the emergency number if a hedgehog is spotted in danger.

“Apart from sore eyes he has no lasting damage but will keep a purple tinge for a long time,” she said.

“We get hedgehogs coming in with all sorts of problems and small ones will stay with us until autumn.

“We will monitor them and give them treatment if they need it.

“About this time of year they are giving birth so it would be the only excuse for them being out in daylight.

Otherwise the only reason for them being outside would be if they are starving or disorientated after a fox attack for instance.

“We have also seen quite a lot of dog attacks recently.”

The hospital recommends leaving an untidy corner in the garden for hedgehogs and to make sure all ponds have escape routes, as although they can swim, they will struggle to get out.

Food can also be left out but it should be meat based cat food.

Anyone who spots a hedgehog in distress can call the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital on 07850778752.