What do hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs are insectivores that primarily eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, and other invertebrates. They also consume snails, millipedes, bird eggs, small mice, frogs, and occasionally fruit. Hedgehogs are beneficial to gardens because they eat many pest species. They are opportunistic feeders with 36 to 44 teeth designed for crunching insect exoskeletons.

Do hedgehogs hibernate?

Yes, hedgehogs in colder climates hibernate during winter when insect prey is scarce. They must double their body weight before hibernation to survive months without eating. During hibernation, body temperature drops from 95°F to 50°F and heart rate slows from 190 to 20 beats per minute. In warmer regions, hedgehogs remain active year round.

Are hedgehogs good pets?

African pygmy hedgehogs are bred as pets but require specialized care and remain partially wild. They need proper temperatures, appropriate diets, spacious enclosures, and veterinary care. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and do not seek affection like domesticated pets. Ownership is illegal in many regions. Many pet hedgehogs suffer from improper care. Research extensively before considering hedgehog ownership.

Where do hedgehogs live?

Hedgehogs inhabit Europe, Africa, and Asia in diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, meadows, farmlands, and gardens. Seventeen species exist ranging from forests to deserts. They do not naturally occur in the Americas or Australia. European hedgehogs thrive in rural and suburban gardens. They require areas with cover for nesting and abundant invertebrate prey.

How do hedgehogs defend themselves?

When threatened, hedgehogs contract powerful muscles that pull their spiny skin over their heads and bodies, creating a tight ball. This defense mechanism makes them virtually impenetrable to most predators. Only strong predators like badgers and large birds of prey can overcome the spiny protection. Baby hedgehogs are born with soft spines that harden within days.

How long do hedgehogs live?

Wild hedgehogs typically live 3 to 5 years, though some individuals reach 7 years. In captivity with proper care, hedgehogs can live up to 10 years. Lifespan depends on predation, climate, food availability, disease, and human caused mortality from roads, pesticides, and garden hazards. Captive hedgehogs generally live longer due to consistent food and protection.

Are hedgehog numbers declining?

Yes, many hedgehog populations face significant declines. European hedgehog numbers dropped over 50% in some countries during recent decades. Major threats include habitat loss, road mortality, pesticides, garden hazards, and climate change. Some species are listed as vulnerable or near threatened. Conservation efforts focus on creating hedgehog friendly gardens and building wildlife corridors.

Hedgehog Facts: Behavior, Spines, Diet & More

Spiny mammals with unique defense mechanisms and habits

Hedgehogs are small spiny mammals known for rolling into protective balls. These nocturnal insect eaters have 5,000 to 7,000 spines covering their backs.

Key Facts

Scientific Family

Erinaceidae

Lifespan

3 to 5 years (wild), 10 years (captivity)

Weight

14 to 39 oz (400 to 1,100 g)

Length

5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm)

Number of Spines

5,000 to 7,000

Diet

Insects and invertebrates

Defense

Roll into spiny ball

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal

Hibernation

Yes (in cold climates)

Species Count

17 different species

Native Range

Europe, Africa, Asia

Running Speed

Up to 6 mph (9.5 km/h)

About Hedgehog Facts: Behavior, Spines, Diet & More

Hedgehogs are small spiny mammals famous for rolling into tight balls when threatened. Their backs are covered with five thousand to seven thousand sharp spines that deter predators.

Why Five Thousand Spines Cover Their Backs

Hedgehog spines are modified hairs made of keratin the same protein found in human fingernails. Each spine measures zero point five to one inch long and lasts about one year before falling out and being replaced. Only the strongest predators like badgers and large birds of prey can overcome this defense.

How They Travel Two Miles Each Night

Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal emerging at dusk to search for food. They can travel up to two miles in a single night following regular routes through their territories. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but excellent senses of smell and hearing that help navigate in darkness.

Why Gardens Benefit From Their Appetites

Hedgehogs are insectivores that eat primarily beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, and other invertebrates. They also consume snails, millipedes, centipedes, and occasionally bird eggs, small mice, frogs, and fruit. Hedgehogs are beneficial to gardens because they eat many pest species.

How Heart Rates Drop to Twenty Beats

Hedgehogs in colder climates hibernate during winter when insect prey becomes scarce. Before hibernation they must double their body weight to survive months without eating. They build special winter nests called hibernacula from extra layers of leaves and grass.

Why Hoglets Are Born With Soft Spines

Hedgehog breeding season occurs in spring and summer. After mating males depart and females raise young alone. Their first spines are white and soft covered by fluid filled skin.

How European Populations Dropped Fifty Percent

Many hedgehog populations face declines with some species listed as vulnerable or near threatened. European hedgehog numbers have dropped over fifty percent in some countries during recent decades. Major threats include habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development.

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Historical Analysis

⚡Historical Significance

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Hedgehogs have existed relatively unchanged for approximately 15 million years, making them one of the oldest surviving mammal forms.
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Ancient Romans kept hedgehogs for food and used their skins for carding wool, a practice that continued in Europe for centuries.
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Medieval Europeans believed hedgehogs collected fruit by rolling on it and carrying it away on their spines, a persistent myth still repeated today.
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Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s for pest control but became invasive predators threatening native species.
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The hedgehog became a symbol of British gardens and countryside, inspiring conservation movements when populations crashed.

📝Critical Reception

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Research revealed hedgehog spines are modified hairs made of keratin with air chambers that make them strong yet lightweight.
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Studies proved hedgehogs travel up to 2 miles nightly, far more than their small size suggests, requiring connected garden corridors.
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Scientists discovered hedgehogs perform self anointing, spreading foamy saliva on their spines when encountering new smells, though the purpose remains debated.
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Research showed European hedgehog populations have declined over 50% in some countries due to habitat loss and road mortality.
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Studies on hedgehog hibernation revealed they can survive body temperatures as low as 41°F, providing insights into hypothermia treatment.

🌍Cultural Impact

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Sonic the Hedgehog became one of the most iconic video game characters in history, introducing hedgehogs to millions worldwide.
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Beatrix Potter's Mrs. Tiggy Winkle made hedgehogs beloved characters in children's literature since 1905.
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British garden culture embraced hedgehogs as beneficial pest controllers, spawning hedgehog highways and rescue organizations.
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African pygmy hedgehogs became trendy exotic pets, though many owners underestimate their care requirements.
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Hedgehog cafes emerged in Japan and spread globally, allowing people to interact with these normally nocturnal animals.

Before & After

📅Before

Before urban expansion and agricultural intensification, hedgehogs thrived in European hedgerows and meadows with abundant insect prey. They were common garden visitors that required no special conservation attention.

🚀After

After decades of habitat loss, pesticide use, and road construction, hedgehog populations have crashed dramatically. They are now a priority conservation species in the UK, with hedgehog highways mandated in new developments and national campaigns encouraging wildlife friendly gardens.

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Did You Know?

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Hedgehogs have 5,000 to 7,000 spines that are actually modified hairs made of keratin

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They can roll into tight balls when threatened, creating virtually impenetrable defense

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Hedgehogs can travel up to 2 miles in a single night searching for food

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During hibernation their heart rate drops from 190 beats per minute to just 20

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Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets and are born with soft spines that harden within days

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The video game character Sonic made hedgehogs known worldwide to new generations

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Why It Still Matters Today

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European hedgehog populations have crashed over 50% in recent decades, making garden conservation efforts critical

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Hedgehog highways connecting gardens are becoming standard features in new housing developments in the UK

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Research on hedgehog hibernation is providing insights into human hypothermia treatment and organ preservation

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Rising pet hedgehog popularity has created welfare concerns as many owners cannot meet their specialized needs

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Hedgehogs face new threats from robot lawn mowers and strimmers that injure them while they sleep in garden debris

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Test Your Knowledge

How much do you know? Take this quick quiz to find out!

1. What happens to a hedgehog's heart rate during hibernation?

2. What is self anointing behavior in hedgehogs?

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Original Insights

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Hedgehog spines are not quills. Unlike porcupine quills, hedgehog spines do not detach easily, are not barbed, and are actually modified hairs.

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Hedgehogs are immune to many toxins. They can eat venomous snakes and toxic beetles that would kill other animals their size.

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Self anointing is still a mystery. When hedgehogs encounter new smells, they create foamy saliva and spread it on their spines, but scientists do not know why.

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Hedgehogs cannot survive on cat food alone. Despite common advice, cat food lacks proper nutrition and can cause obesity and health problems.

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Baby hedgehogs are not born with sharp spines. Their first spines are soft and white, covered by fluid filled skin to protect the mother during birth.

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Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Despite the old tradition of leaving out milk, it causes digestive problems and should never be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hedgehogs have 5,000 to 7,000 spines covering their backs. Each spine is a modified hair made of keratin lasting about one year before being replaced. Unlike porcupine quills, hedgehog spines do not detach easily and are not barbed. Spines measure 0.5 to 1 inch long and provide effective protection when hedgehogs roll into balls.

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Sources & References

Hedgehog Spine Structure and Defense Mechanisms

European Hedgehog Population Declines

Hedgehog Hibernation Physiology

Self Anointing Behavior in Hedgehogs

Hedgehog Conservation and Garden Wildlife

This article is reviewed by the Pagefacts team.

Editorial Approach:

This article reveals hedgehogs as ancient survivors facing modern extinction, explains the mystery of self anointing behavior, and debunks myths about their spines, diet, and care requirements.