Bernard found himself in an unfortunate situation, through no fault of his own.
In November 2025, the small hedgehog had settled into a heap of leaves and branches. Unbeknownst to Bernard, his chosen resting place was destined to become part of a bonfire prepared for Guy Fawkes Night, a traditional U.K. celebration.
As the bonfire was lit, Bernard’s surroundings abruptly burst into flames. The tiny hedgehog cried out in distress, and fortunately, his cries were heard.
Suzi Kemp, the communications officer at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham, England, informed The Dodo that “a member of the public heard the hedgehog’s screams and witnessed him fleeing the blaze.”
By the time the woman got to Bernard, he had instinctively taken his usual defensive action.
Kemp explained, “Hedgehogs naturally curl into a tight ball as a self-defense mechanism when feeling endangered or frightened. Their sharp spines offer protection from predators, so their strategy is to remain coiled and still until the danger passes. This is precisely what Bernard did, even while enduring immense pain and severe stress from the ordeal.”
She carefully picked him up, wrapped him in a towel, and settled him into a cardboard box. Without delay, she transported him to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital.
The hospital staff instantly recognized the severity of Bernard’s injuries.
Kemp detailed Bernard’s condition upon arrival: “He suffered severe burns to a significant area of his spines and the underlying skin, along with smoke inhalation and shock. While the prognosis for such widespread burn damage was extremely poor, we maintain optimism and provide every patient with the best possible chance. The initial 24 hours proved to be the most critical.”
Against formidable odds, the dedicated hospital team tirelessly worked to preserve Bernard’s life. He spent weeks in intensive care, but then began a gradual recovery. His strength rebounded, his appetite improved, and his protective spines regrew.
Before long, Bernard had regained sufficient strength to be relocated to an outdoor enclosure, where he is currently reacquainting himself with the ways of a wild hedgehog. Kemp noted that he “adores his food and delights in snuggling beneath a warm towel for a comfortable daytime snooze after a hearty meal.” She also mentioned that he demonstrates remarkable speed as “a surprisingly fast swimmer in his hydrotherapy sessions.”
Bernard remains at the hospital for now, with the team intending to return him to the wild once they confirm he can reliably curl into a defensive ball once more. Should he be unable to do so, he might need to reside in a semi-wild, protected environment permanently.
Kemp expressed, “Our entire team championed Bernard from the instant he arrived, and observing his advancements on the lengthy path to recovery has been truly gratifying. Witnessing his new, shiny spines reappear was incredibly satisfying. The bittersweet moment will arrive when we ultimately bid him farewell as he is released back into his natural habitat.”
Bernard’s survival makes him an exception, and his experience serves as a potent reminder for everyone to implement precautions to protect local wildlife.
Kemp emphasized the importance of public awareness: “We want to highlight the dangers these valuable nocturnal creatures encounter when they interact with human environments, and how simple actions can prevent harm. Ensure football nets and other garden netting are elevated to stop entanglement, install a ramp at the edge of garden ponds for an escape route if hedgehogs fall in, inspect long grass for wildlife before trimming or mowing, and if planning a bonfire, construct it on the day of ignition and gently check underneath for any hidden animals.”