# European Hedgehog (*Erinaceus europaeus*) Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that curl into balls when scared. They eat insects and small creatures. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Gardens, woodlands, and fields. - **Also known as:** Common Hedgehog, Hedgehog, West European Hedgehog ![European Hedgehog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771438800/objects/4380.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Erinaceomorpha - **Family:** Erinaceidae - **Genus:** Erinaceus ## 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 - **Spiny Defender:** European Hedgehog can roll into a tight, impenetrable ball because its strong muscles pull skin and spines around its body, deterring predators. - **Winter Napper:** European Hedgehog has special fat reserves that allow it to hibernate for months, helping them survive when food is scarce in winter. - **Nighttime Sniffer:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ground-beetle) (*Carabus nemoralis*) — Various beetle species form a key part of their insect diet. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Hibernating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/hibernating): Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Hedgehogs are safe to watch but have sharp spines. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify European Hedgehog? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is European Hedgehog? 20-30 cm ### How much does European Hedgehog weigh? 0.8-2 kg ### How long does European Hedgehog live? 2-5 years ### How fast can European Hedgehog move? 10 km/h ### What does European Hedgehog eat? Hedgehogs are busy eaters, munching on all sorts of creepy crawlies and small snacks found on the ground! ### Where is European Hedgehog usually found? Gardens, woodlands, and fields. ### How does European Hedgehog hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Drusillas Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/drusillas-park) — England, GB · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [European Hedgehog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-hedgehog)