Body temperature relations in suckling hedgehogs

Young hedgehogs, (n=136) Erinaceus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (body weight 20-240 g), were discovered while astray from their breeding nests. The state and the behaviour of the young indicated that they had been accidently separated from maternal care. During the subsequent period of human care 88 survived while 48 succumbed, some due to blowfly myiasis. When first found, the young hedgehogs were described as "uncouncious and cold" or "not willing to take offered food". The oral temperature in 11 cases was within the normothermic range between 31.5-34.0°C. In 14 others the body temperature ranged between 17.5-21.0°C, a clearly hypothermic state. It is discussed how animals in this situation may enter a state of summer torpor.