Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219616
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeusAlso known as West European Hedgehog, Common Hedgehog
European hedgehogs are nocturnal insectivores famous for their coat of several thousand sharp, hollow spines that protect them from predators when they roll into a tight ball. They navigate undergrowth using an acute sense of smell and hearing, making distinctive snuffling and grunting noises as they forage for invertebrates. During the winter months, they retreat into specially constructed nests of leaves and grass called hibernacula to undergo deep hibernation.
NocturnalSpinyHibernating
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Earthworms
- Caterpillars
Predators
- European Badger
- Golden Eagle
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, road mortality, intensive agriculture, and loss of garden connectivity
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, suburban gardens, and urban parks
Life span3 to 7 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyErinaceidae
- SpeciesErinaceus europaeus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp spines can prick and they may bite if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a round, spiny body with brown and white banded needles, a pointed snout, and a habit of snuffling in the undergrowth at night.
- Support conservation
- Avoid using bright torches or flash photography, and never disturb a hedgehog during its winter hibernation.
Responsible observation
- Garden Access: Create small five-inch gaps at the base of garden fences to allow them to forage freely between properties.
- Safe Feeding: Offer plain kitten kibble and fresh water, but never give them milk as they are lactose intolerant.
- Mower Safety: Check long grass and compost heaps thoroughly before mowing or lighting bonfires to avoid injuring nesting individuals.
Predator kallerna / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative George Chernilevsky / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Michael Andresek, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative
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