How cute is this? Tiny dormouse rescued in Bexhill.
| Can You Get Much Cuter Than This? Tiny Dormouse Rescued in Bexhill. East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) is sharing heart-melting images of a tiny hazel dormouse currently being cared for at its Casualty Centre after being found cold, immobile, and vulnerable on a lawn in Bexhill. The dormouse was discovered lying exposed in the middle of a grass lawn and appeared extremely cold and unresponsive. He was initially taken to Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary, where he was gently warmed before WRAS volunteers collected him and transported him to their Casualty Centre for further assessment and care. It is believed the dormouse may have been accidentally disturbed while hibernating and subsequently dropped onto the lawn, leaving him at serious risk from the cold, dehydration, and predators. The mouse had already been warmed up when WRAS rescuers arrived at Bexhill, where the tiny mammal was now far more alert. Back at WRAS’s Casualty Centre the little creature was very grateful for some much-needed fluids administered by WRAS’s Veterinary Surgeon Amelia Cotter. WRAS staff carefully checked the dormouse over and are continuing to monitor him closely for any signs of internal injuries, particularly as there is a possibility he may have been picked up by a predator at some point before being found. Hazel dormice are a protected species in the UK and are rarely seen by the public, as they are nocturnal and spend much of their lives high in hedgerows, woodland, and scrub. Finding one out in the open during cold weather is highly unusual and potentially life-threatening. The dormouse will remain in specialist care while he recovers and will be released back once conditions are safe and the weather permits. A WRAS’s founder Trevor Weeks MBE said: “Dormice are incredibly vulnerable, especially during colder periods. This little one was very lucky to be found when he was. These photos really highlight just how special our native wildlife is, and how important it is to act quickly if something doesn’t look right.” WRAS reminds members of the public that if they find a small mammal that is cold, unresponsive, or out in the open, they should seek advice from a wildlife rescue as soon as possible and avoid attempting to care for the animal themselves. You can help support WRAS’s work protecting our amazing local wildlife by clicking HERE. |
