Fauna
Mammal

Common Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

Also known as European Hedgehog, West European Hedgehog, Western European Hedgehog

European hedgehogs roam night-bound gardens and hedgerows, using a sharp sense of smell to unearth abundant invertebrate prey. When threatened, a specialized mantle muscle draws their skin tight over their head and limbs, transforming them into a ball of over five thousand protective spines. Females build autumn maternal nests of dry leaves, nursing litters of soft-spined hoglets before settling into winter hibernation.

NocturnalHibernatingGarden Ally
Common Hedgehog reference1 / 7
(c) Michael Gäbler, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyEarthworms, Beetles, Slugs
Predators
  • European Badger
  • Eurasian Eagle-Owl
  • Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, road traffic, pesticides, lawnmowers
HabitatsWoodland edges, hedgerows, suburban gardens, pastures
Life span2–5 years
Classification
  1. FamilyErinaceidae
  2. SpeciesErinaceus europaeus
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Prickly spines can puncture skin and wild hedgehogs may bite if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by a dark-pointed face and a dense upper coat of banded brown and cream spines.
Support conservation
Give foraging hedgehogs plenty of space, drive carefully at night, and preserve ground-level garden cover.
Responsible observation
  • Garden Access: Cut small gaps at the base of garden fences to create connected hedgehog highways.
  • Safe Feeding: Provide fresh water and meat-based cat food, but never offer cow milk.
  • Pre-Mowing Checks: Check tall grass, compost piles, and leaf heaps before strimming or lighting bonfires.
Related species
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