The crow kept circling the same spot.
It swooped low again and again, letting out loud calls before landing briefly on the roadside grass. At first, the passing driver assumed the bird had found food.
Then something moved beneath the weeds.
The driver slowed down and pulled safely onto the shoulder.
Walking closer, the stranger was stunned to discover a mother hedgehog tightly tangled in discarded plastic netting.
Just a few feet away, her tiny baby huddled motionless, unable to reach its mother while the curious crow continued circling overhead.
The mother hedgehog tried to curl into a ball.
She couldn’t.
The netting wrapped around her legs and sharp spines, holding her firmly against the ground.
Every attempt to move only tightened the plastic further.
The baby remained close, making tiny squeaking sounds while waiting helplessly beside her.
Realising the animals needed help quickly, the driver stayed calm and kept the crow at a distance without harming it.
The bird eventually flew to a nearby fence, watching from above.
The driver gently approached the hedgehog, careful not to frighten her further.
Using a small pair of safety scissors from the car’s emergency kit, the stranger slowly began cutting through the tangled netting.
Each strand was removed one at a time.
There was no rushing.
The goal was to avoid causing any injury while freeing the exhausted animal.
After several patient minutes, the plastic finally loosened.
The last piece slipped away.
The mother hedgehog remained still for a moment before cautiously testing her legs.
She slowly walked toward her waiting baby.
The tiny hedgehog immediately followed close behind, refusing to leave its mother’s side.
Although both animals appeared free, the driver noticed the mother had small abrasions where the plastic had rubbed against her skin.
Wanting to make sure she received proper care, the driver contacted a local wildlife rescue organisation.
Following their advice, the hedgehogs were carefully placed inside a ventilated box lined with a soft towel until trained rescuers arrived.
The wildlife team soon reached the scene and completed a full examination.
Fortunately, neither hedgehog had suffered serious injuries.
The mother was tired and slightly dehydrated, while the baby appeared healthy but frightened after the ordeal.
After receiving fluids and a short period of observation, both animals recovered well.
Later that evening, wildlife rehabilitators released the mother and her baby into a safe natural habitat away from busy roads and dangerous litter.
The pair disappeared together beneath thick bushes, returning to the quiet woodland where they belonged.
Before leaving, the driver collected the remaining pieces of plastic netting scattered along the roadside.
The rescuers explained that discarded netting is one of the most common hazards for small wildlife.
Hedgehogs, birds, rabbits, and many other animals can become trapped while searching for food or shelter.
Removing litter may seem like a small act, but it can prevent countless wildlife emergencies.
The driver reflected on how easily the scene could have been missed.
Most people would have seen only a crow flying above the grass.
One person chose to stop and take a closer look.
That simple decision changed two lives.
As the sun began to set, the roadside looked ordinary once again.
The dangerous netting was gone.
The crow had flown away.
And somewhere beyond the trees, a mother hedgehog and her baby continued their journey together, safe once more because a compassionate stranger refused to ignore what others might never have noticed.
Driver Helps Hedgehog Out of Netting After a Crow Comes Near Her and Her Baby pic.twitter.com/xG4CrLFNd6
— Animal Rescue Stories (@AnimalStory5) July 24, 2026
What should you do if you find a hedgehog tangled in netting?
If you find a hedgehog caught in netting, approach calmly and only attempt to free it if it is safe to do so. Carefully cut away the material without injuring the animal, and contact a local wildlife rescue organisation if the hedgehog appears injured or exhausted.
Can you rescue a wild hedgehog yourself?
Yes, if the situation is safe and the hedgehog can be freed without causing further harm. Wear gloves if available, minimise handling, and seek advice from a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian, especially if the animal has visible injuries or appears weak.
