Watch: Impaled hedgehog on road to recovery at Shropshire vets
She was lucky to survive after the prickly matter of being impaled with a curtain pole – but as these pictures show, this hedgehog is on the slow road to an amazing recovery.
The hedgehog, who has not been named, is being treated at Haygate vets in Madeley after being found by the RSPCA in Telford.
It is not yet known how she came upon her fate.
Amazingly, the pole missed all the animal's vital organs.
But veterinary nurse Helen Bowen has been looking after her at home and said she was making good progress.
"She is doing really well," Mrs Bowen said. "She is eating well and gaining weight.
"We have already spoken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock about taking her on for the next stage of her recovery, with a view to her being released back into the wild when she is back fit and strong again early next year."
The RSPCA is still appealing for witnesses or information in relation to the incident. RSPCA inspector Kate Parker said: "We would like to know if anyone else saw this poor hedgehog and how it came to be impaled on a curtain pole. It may have been a terrible accident or someone could have done this deliberately to harm this animal.
"It's a miracle the hedgehog survived and now hopefully we will be able to care for her throughout the winter until she is strong enough to be re-released."
Anyone with information about the hedgehog, found near Brandsfarm Way on November 8, should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
