European Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that curl into balls when scared. They eat insects and small creatures.

Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, and fields.

Appearance

The European Hedgehog has a rounded body covered in thousands of sharp, brown and cream banded spines, making it instantly recognizable. Its face is paler brown, featuring a small dark snout, tiny dark eyes, and small ears. Unlike other mammals, its spiny coat is its most striking and unique feature.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderErinaceomorphaFamilyErinaceidaeGenusErinaceus

European Hedgehog

Interesting facts

A hedgehog's heart can beat much slower, just 5 times per minute, during hibernation!

Hedgehogs are often called 'gardeners' friends' for eating many common pests!

Hedgehogs build cozy nests called 'hibernaculums' to sleep safely through winter.

They can travel surprisingly far, up to 2 kilometers a night, while searching for food.

Special abilities

European Hedgehog can roll into a tight, impenetrable ball because its strong muscles pull skin and spines around its body, deterring predators.

European Hedgehog has special fat reserves that allow it to hibernate for months, helping them survive when food is scarce in winter.

European Hedgehog can find hidden food in the dark because it possesses an excellent sense of smell, guiding it to snacks.

Measurements & details

Length: 20-30 cm
Weight: 0.8-2 kg
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Top Speed: 10 km/h
Litter Size: 4-6
Gestation: 31-35 days

Diet & Feeding

Hedgehogs are busy eaters, munching on all sorts of creepy crawlies and small snacks found on the ground!

Primary Foods

Earthworms
Beetles
Caterpillars
Slugs
Snails
Berries

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eurasian Badger

Meles meles

Badgers are a significant natural predator of hedgehogs.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Foxes can prey on hedgehogs, especially vulnerable young ones.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Earthworms are a primary food source for foraging hedgehogs.

eats

Ground Beetle

Carabus nemoralis

Various beetle species form a key part of their insect diet.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Hibernating

Discover animals that take a long winter nap! They slow down their bodies and sleep deeply to save energy when food is scarce and it's cold outside.

Spiky/Thorny

Find creatures and plants covered in sharp points, which help keep them safe or catch a meal!

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.