Lucky Hedgehog Rescued After Dramatic Drain Ordeal in Markinch

A hedgehog rescued from a drain in Markinch is recovering after an extraordinary two-day effort to free him from a tight underground trap.

The drama unfolded at Markinch Town Hall, where concerned locals first spotted the stricken animal wedged deep inside a drain. Despite desperate attempts to remove him, rescuers initially feared the worst after finding the hedgehog completely balled up and motionless.

Only the bottom of the animal was visible and, after repeated unsuccessful efforts to free him, the difficult decision was made to step away and ask the council to assist. A safety cone was placed over the drain while further help was sought.

But in a remarkable twist, rescuers received word the following afternoon that the hedgehog was still alive.

When the drain was checked again, a little face was looking back up.

Andy immediately rushed back to the scene armed with long-handled pliers and set about trying once more to free the trapped animal. It is believed the previous day’s efforts had slightly shifted the hedgehog, allowing him to turn around, but every time he curled into a ball he remained firmly wedged.

After 20 minutes of careful work, rescuers turned to an unusual but effective solution: cooking oil.

The oil helped loosen the hedgehog enough for Andy to make one final twist and pull — and suddenly the exhausted animal slid free.

The rescued hedgehog, described as a “very lucky boy”, was taken in for urgent care where he was cleaned up, treated for 37 ticks, warmed, fed and given subcutaneous fluids.

Weighing a healthy 982 grams, the hedgehog showed no obvious external injuries, though he will remain under close observation over the coming week as post-restriction injuries can sometimes take several days to appear.

Rescuers said they were delighted with the outcome after fearing the worst.

“One very lucky boy and what a fighter he is,” they said.

Special thanks were also paid to Yvonne and the children of the Markinch After School Kids Club, who first noticed the trapped hedgehog and raised the alarm.

Their quick thinking may well have saved his life.

Check out the story on the BBC Website: Click here