Stock Photo - 09 December 2021, Berlin: The helper holds a hedgehog up to the camera. At the hedgehog sanctuary in Berlin-Hermsdorf volunteers lovingly care for sick and injured animals. About 80-100 animals are cared for here every day. The hedgehogs can hibernate at the station and - if they are healthy - are released back into the wild after hibernation. The hedgehog population is considered to be endangered, and in Bavaria the animal is even on the forewarned list of endangered species. The increasing scarcity of its habitat, the decline in natural gardens and green spaces and the use of chemical poisons and robotic mowers are causing problems for the hedgehog. The best hedgehog protection is a natural garden design with hedges, retreats and piles of leaves in autumn. If hedgehogs are out and about at this time of year, especially during the day, you can assume that something is wrong. If you find emaciated or injured animals you can contact the Arbeitskreis Igelschutz Berlin e.V.. Information and contact details can be found on the website www.igelschutzberlin.com. (to dpa ""Sick hedgehogs - rescue centre cares for more animals in need than before"") Photo: Ingolf König-Jablonski/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB. - Berlin/Berlin/Germany