Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219618
Northern White-breasted Hedgehog
Erinaceus roumanicusAlso known as Eastern European Hedgehog, Rumanian Hedgehog, White-breasted Hedgehog
Northern white-breasted hedgehogs inhabit forest edges, farmland, and urban gardens across Central and Eastern Europe. Recognized by the prominent patch of white fur covering their chest, these solitary foragers emerge at dusk to root through leaf litter for invertebrates. When threatened, they roll into a tight ball, relying on thousands of sharp keratin spines for protection while hibernating through cold winter months.
NocturnalSpinyMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Beetles
- Slugs
Predators
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- European Badger
- Red Fox
ThreatsRoad mortality, habitat fragmentation, pesticide use reducing prey, and lawnmower accidents.
HabitatsDeciduous forests, scrublands, agricultural borders, parks, and suburban gardens.
Life span3 to 7 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyErinaceidae
- SpeciesErinaceus roumanicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp spines can prick and cornered individuals may bite; observe without picking them up.
Responsible observation
- Garden Safety: Check tall grass before mowing to avoid injuring resting hedgehogs during the day.
- Nighttime Viewing: Use a red-filtered flashlight to watch foraging individuals without scaring them.
- Wildlife Water: Leave out shallow bowls of fresh water during dry summer spells.
Genus Member (c) Michael Andresek, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michael Gäbler, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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