The hedgehogs were both found trapped in open drains (Picture: North News & Pictures)

The RSPCA is urging people to check drains aren’t left uncovered after two hedgehogs got trapped facedown in them.

The prickly creatures were found on two separate identical incidents within days of each other.

One was discovered at a property in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham on May 21, while the other was found about 17 miles away at an address in Gilesgate ten days later.

The two adult female hedgehogs had both fallen and become wedged, face-down in uncovered drains.

The charity is hoping the rescues will remind people to check drains in their gardens and streets and make sure they are either blocked or properly secured with covers to prevent animals from getting trapped.

The first hedgehog, who was lodged about two feet down, was rescued by RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine.

Thankfully uninjured, she was released in a safe location nearby.

The hedgehogs were found within 17 miles of each other (Picture: North News & Pictures)

One of the hedgehogs was dehydrated and covered in ticks so was cared for at a vets for two days before being released (Picture: North News & Pictures)

The second one, described as ‘absolutely enormous,’ by inspector Cathy Maddison, was dehydrated and covered in ticks and spent two days being cared for by staff at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in Darlington.

She was then returned to the area near where she was found.

‘She was one of the biggest hedgehogs I have seen for a while and unfortunately her size meant she was stuck fast in the hole with next to no room for manoeuvre,’ Inspector Maddison said.

‘She received excellent care at Stanhope Vets and I’d like to thank the team there for everything they did to get her back on the road to recovery.

One of the drains where a hedgehog had become trapped (Picture: North News & Pictures)

‘The homeowners at both incidents Krissy and I attended were very concerned about what had happened and with hedgehog numbers in decline, it was nice for us to be able to release both of them back into the wild unharmed.

‘If you have an uncovered drain or an exposed pipe near your home please report it to the water or drainage company concerned, or if it’s on your land add a suitable cover so it’s not a hazard to wildlife.

‘It’s not just hedgehogs; drains, pits and other open holes can also frequently trap unsuspecting creatures like amphibians and ducklings, so there are a number of animals which are at risk of injury or even worse.’

The RSPCA is also urging people to check for wildlife before using strimmers or mowers in their garden, to look through compost heaps before forking over and to remove sports netting when not being used.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

The RSPCA is urging people to check that all drains are covered or blocked so animals don’t fall in.