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

Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.

Burrowing

Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Ancient Lineage

This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Hibernating

Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity.