Description of the Hedgehog

Physical Characteristics

• The most obvious characteristic of hedgehogs is, of course, their spines. All hedgehogs have spiky modified hairs on their back and flanks. The spines make them difficult for predators to eat, an advantage for a relatively slow-moving animal. In other respects, hedgehogs are fairly typical insectivores. They have sharp but undifferentiated teeth, course fur on the rest of the body and short tails. Hedgehogs have good hearing and a good sense of smell, but relatively poor eyesight.

Diet

• Hedgehogs mostly eat invertebrates, including worms, beetles, insect larvae and slugs. They are opportunistic though, and will also eat fruit, nuts and small vertebrates, such as mice and snakes. If you want to treat a wild hedgehog, the best option is meat-based, not fish-based, cat or dog food. Hedgehogs cannot digest the traditional bread and milk. A bowl of water is even more helpful than food, especially during the summer. Their behavior reflects their varied diet; hedgehogs are inquisitive and spend much of their time rummaging through leaf litter in search of snacks. Strong front legs mean they can dig if necessary.

Distribution and Habitat

• The 15 or so species of hedgehog live throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. As introduced, and sometime invasive, species, hedgehogs are also found in New Zealand. Hedgehogs naturally inhabit forest or scrubland environments, and regularly appear in gardens in suburban areas.

Behavior

• Hedgehogs lead solitary nocturnal lives, only coming together with other hedgehogs to mate. Once the baby hedgehogs, known as hoglets, leave their mother, at about 1 or 2 months old, they establish their own territories. Hedgehogs are quite vocal. In fact, according to National Geographic, their name comes from the habit of emitting pig-like grunts when foraging. When threatened, hedgehogs curl into a protective ball, with nothing showing except spines. Hedgehogs also sleep in this position for maximum security. They cope with extended periods of extreme heat or cold by entering a state of hibernation.