In Val-d'Oise, the association that takes care of hedgehogs

It's a protected species since 1981. However, it is in the process of disappearing. Hedgehogs have seen their population decline by 75% in just 20 years. Due to the many dangers it faces (pesticides, car accidents, etc.), this nocturnal mammal, supposed to live eight years, sees its life expectancy reduced to three years.

Fascinated since she was very young by these little creatures, Martine Volatier created in 2022 in Taverny (Val-d'Oise), the Piqu'enBoule association, which has given itself the mission of saving them. A unique structure in the department.

A unique care center in the department

A care center for these animals, Piqu'enBoule, managed by around ten volunteers, receives hedgehogs in distress (orphans, injured, sick) to whom it provides essential care for the time it takes, in order to release them into their natural habitat.

“We are contacted by individuals who have found an injured or autumn orphaned hedgehog, abandoned by its mother who had gone to hibernate,” explains Pauline Kadi.

This volunteer is being trained to become “capacity”, in order to be able to manage the care of this animal. Because with this protected animal, things are very regulated.

Pauline, who grew up near Épernay, in the Marne, surrounded by animals, developed a passion for hedgehogs.

“At the time, when we found one injured, we put it in the kennel to take care of it, it was much less careful than today. »

The association points out that even if it comes from a good intention, keeping an injured hedgehog at home is an offense, “since it amounts to keeping a wild animal”. You must therefore take it to an authorized backup center, such as that of Taverny.

Workshops

Piqu'enBoule also offers workshops to learn how to act when you find hedgehogs, with useful advice and contacts. She works with the Faune Alfort association, which takes care of wildlife, particularly hedgehogs.

Martine Volatier volunteered there for seven years, which allowed her to follow training.

From September 2022 to September 2024, 126 hedgehogs passed through the Piqu'enBoule premises, which causes numerous costs. They amount on average between €60 and €80.

Initially, it was the president alone and her husband who took charge. Then the donations started to arrive. The association now has 81 members (individual membership costs €15, family membership €25). Piqu'enBoule also now benefits from public subsidies.

A need for donations

“Each contribution allows us to cover daily expenses, such as food, veterinary costs, medicines, medical equipment, enclosures and the construction of shelters,” explains the association which is currently treating fifteen little hedgehogs.

The health center is complete. These animals come from Cormeilles-en-Parisis, Montmagny, Enghien-les-Bains and Saint-Prix. The latter municipality, very invested in rescuing hedgehogs, also works with Faune Alfort and has set up release centers which will welcome the Piqu'enBoule hedgehogs.

“We also have our own release centers where we will put our recovered hedgehogs next spring,” concludes Pauline Kadi.

The individual who finds a hedgehog in his or her garden is invited, to protect it, to create a natural outdoor shelter (small house, pile of dead leaves, etc.), to provide it with water and food (chicken cat food) and to respect its tranquility.

On the weekend of January 25 and 26, the association will be present at the entrance to the Maxizoo store in Montigny-lès-Cormeilles (129, boulevard Victor-Bordier) to collect donations in cash or in kind (cat kibble , straw…) [email protected]/ www.piquenboule.fr

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