The late hour was perfect for the many city animals to wander around. We were stopped by a red traffic light at the intersection of Kajuhova and Povšetova streets.
While waiting for the light to turn green, a very special nocturnal adventurer peeked out from the bushes along the pavement - a large and rather woolly hedgehog. He bravely made his way towards the Štepanjski settlement, oblivious to the fact that his path crossed a rather busy crossroads. He resolutely trotted straight in front of his mother's car and continued on his way.
My mother and I immediately agreed that we had to do something, because there was a good chance that the hedgehog would not survive the venture. Fortunately, we were the only ones at the junction at that moment, so I quickly jumped out of the car as a passenger and took action. I thought for a few seconds about how to grab the prickly animal, then quickly took off my cardigan and wrapped it around its fat tummy.
As we were no longer alone on the road, my mother drove on and waited for me at the next bend. I carefully picked up the hedgehog and carried him as far away from the crossroads as possible - into an overgrown part of the housing estate. He might not have chosen this destination for himself, but it was certainly safer for him at that moment. I found my mother's car and we continued on our way, relieved.
This was the rescue of the Curlew hedgehog, who I hope never had any more adventures like this - or happy endings. Perhaps he and his offspring are now safely residing somewhere in the vicinity of Kodeljevje or Štepanj settlement.
Tavi Šifrer, 10 Feb 2025
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