The hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a beloved and iconic mammal in the UK, known for its distinctive spines and nocturnal habits. As a natural pest controller and a symbol of British wildlife, the hedgehog plays a crucial role in garden ecosystems. These small, spiny mammals are insectivores and have existed in some form for over 15 million years, making them a fascinating part of the mammalian lineage.
The European hedgehog is native to the UK and much of Europe, but its population has been declining due to habitat loss and human activity.
Scientific Classification
Common Name: Hedgehog
Scientific Name: Erinaceus europaeus
Family: Erinaceidae
Order: Eulipotyphla
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
What Do Hedgehogs Look Like
Hedgehogs are easily recognised by their distinctive coat of sharp spines or quills, which provide excellent protection against predators. Their rounded bodies and small faces curl into a ball when threatened. Adult hedgehogs typically measure 20–30 cm in length and weigh between 400–1200 grams. They have a compact, rounded body, short legs, a pointed snout and small, dark eyes.
Physical Appearance
Size: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) in body length
Weight: 400-1200 grams
Fur & Spines: Brown fur with around 5,000-7,000 spines covering its back
Legs & Feet: Short but strong legs with sharp claws, ideal for digging and climbing.
Ears & Snout: Small, rounded ears and a long, pointed snout used for keen sensing of food.
Lifespan: 2-5 years in the wild
Where Do Hedgehogs Live
Where Do They Live
Where to find them
Hedgehogs are found throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and suburban gardens. In the UK, hedgehogs are often spotted in hedgerows, parks and gardens, where they forage for food and seek shelter.
Native To: UK and Europe
Habitats:
- Woodlands
- Grasslands
- Suburban gardens
Range: Widespread across the UK but declining in urban areas
Behaviour & Lifestyle
How They Behave
Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal, venturing out at night to search for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Known for their solitary nature, they roam vast areas during their nightly hunts often up to 2 km per night. When threatened, hedgehogs roll into a tight ball, using their spines as a defense mechanism.
Activity: Nocturnal
Diet: Omnivorous; primarily insects, worms, slugs, and snails
Foraging Habits: Solitary foragers, covering large distances each night
Defensive Behavior: Rolls into a tight ball to protect itself from predators
Predators: Foxes, badgers, and birds of prey
How Do They Breed
Hedgehogs typically mate during the warmer months, with females giving birth to litters of 4–6 hoglets after a gestation period of around 4–6 weeks. They can breed up to twice a year. Hoglets are born blind and without developed spines but quickly grow and become independent within weeks. In the wild, hedgehogs live 2–5 years, although some can survive longer in protected environments.
Breeding Season: April to September
Litter Size: 4-6 hoglets
Gestation Period: Approximately 35 days
Independence: Hoglets become independent after 6-8 weeks
Reproduction & Lifespan
Ecological Importance
Why Are They Important
Hedgehogs play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds through their foraging activities. They are considered bioindicators, reflecting the health of their environment, and their presence in a habitat is often a sign of biodiversity and ecological health.
Role in the Ecosystem:
Natural Pest Control: Consumes garden pests like slugs and snails
Prey Species: Provides food for larger predators
Conservation Status & Threats
The hedgehog is classified as Vulnerable in the UK due to significant population declines over the last few decades. Habitat loss due to urbanisation, intensive farming practices and the destruction of hedgerows are major threats. Road traffic, pesticides, and climate change also contribute to their dwindling numbers. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and creating public awareness.
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and loss disrupt their natural foraging and nesting areas.
Pesticide use reduces the availability of their insect-based food sources.
Road traffic accidents pose a significant risk, especially during their nighttime activity.
Predation by invasive species such as badgers, threatens local hedgehog populations.
Conservation Efforts
Hedgehog-friendly gardening initiatives encourage safe habitats in urban and rural areas.
Wildlife corridors and hedgerow planting help reconnect fragmented landscapes.
Hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation centers provide care for injured or underweight individuals.
Public awareness campaigns educate communities about hedgehog protection and the importance of biodiversity.
Conservation efforts are focused on creating safer, wildlife-friendly spaces and educating the public on protecting hedgehog habitats.
Vulnerable
Fun Facts
Hedgehogs can have up to 7,000 spines on their body, each of which is replaced roughly once a year. They are excellent swimmers and climbers, though they’re best known for their unique ability to curl into a ball when threatened. They are also immune to many toxins, which allows them to safely consume some poisonous plants and insects.
Ancient Species: Hedgehogs have existed for around 15 million years.
Hibernators: Hedgehogs hibernate from October to March, relying on fat reserves.
Sensitive Hearing: They have excellent hearing and a strong sense of smell for locating prey.
An Array: A group of hedgehogs is called an “array,” though they are rarely seen together as they are solitary animals.
Mythology & Folklore
Hedgehogs have appeared in folklore and literature for centuries, often symbolizing wisdom and protection.
In Ancient Egypt, they were associated with rebirth and regeneration due to their hibernation habits.
In European folklore, they are often depicted as wise and resourceful creatures. For example, in some Slavic traditions, hedgehogs were believed to possess magical knowledge and were thought to bring good luck.
Hedgehogs also feature prominently in modern literature and media, symbolising resilience and cleverness.
Cultural Significance
How to Spot Them
How to Spot a Hedgehog in the Wild
Hedgehogs can be difficult to spot due to their nocturnal habits. To spot a hedgehog, venture out during dusk or early evening, as they are most active at night. Listen for rustling leaves and soft grunting noises, which may signal a foraging hedgehog. Look for them in gardens, parks, hedgerows, and along the edges of woodland areas. Leave food such as cat or dog kibble and fresh water to attract them, but avoid milk as it can upset their stomachs.
Where and When
Where to Look: Gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges
Best Time: Dusk and dawn during spring and summer
Sighting Tips
Signs of Presence: Droppings, rustling in leaf piles, and disturbed soil
How You Can Help
You can help protect hedgehogs by making your garden a hedgehog haven. Create safe spaces by planting native shrubs, leaving piles of leaves for shelter, and ensuring fences have small gaps to allow free movement. Avoid using pesticides and slug pellets, as these harm hedgehogs and their food sources. If you find an injured or underweight hedgehog, especially in winter, contact a local wildlife rescue center. Supporting hedgehog conservation charities and spreading awareness can also make a significant difference
Create Hedgehog Highways: Small holes in fences to allow free movement
Avoid Pesticides: Reduce the use of harmful chemicals in gardens
Provide Shelter: Leave log piles, leaf heaps, and compost bins for nesting
Support Conservation Charities: Donate to organisations working for hedgehog welfare
Contact local wildlife rescue if found an injured or underweight hedgehog especially in winter
Hazel the Hedgehog!
Get Closer to Nature with Our Exclusive Woodland Wildlife Series!
Celebrate the charm of Britain’s wildlife with our “Hazel the Hedgehog” T-shirt, featuring a beautifully crafted linocut design. This T-shirt is perfect for wildlife lovers, conservationists, and anyone passionate about protecting native species.
“Hazel the Hedgehog is a beloved symbol of British woodlands, known for their spiny coats and quiet, nocturnal foraging habits. Feeding on insects, worms, and berries, these shy creatures play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the ecosystem. Despite their hardy appearance, hedgehogs are at risk from habitat loss, making them an important reminder of the need for conservation and care for our wild spaces.”
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