Quick answer
The European hedgehog is a small, spiny, nocturnal mammal famous for rolling into a tight ball of quills when threatened. A single hedgehog may carry around 5,000 spines, forages for insects and worms at night, and hibernates through winter. Wild hedgehogs typically live 2 to 5 years and are now listed as Near Threatened.
Key takeaway
The European hedgehog is a small, spiny, nocturnal mammal famous for rolling into a tight ball of quills when threatened. A single hedgehog may carry around 5,000 spines, forages for insects and worms at night, and hibernates through winter. Wild hedgehogs typically live 2 to 5 years and are now listed as Near Threatened.
Hedgehog overview
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a mammal listed here as Near Threatened. Typical weight 0.6–1.2 kg (1.3–2.6 lb); lifespan around 2–5 years in the wild.
Hedgehog ecology
Diet: Insectivore. Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland, and gardens. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Hedgehogs and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild hedgehogs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Near Threatened. See the full Hedgehog profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Spines and defense
A hedgehog's back is covered in around 5,000 stiff, hollow spines made of keratin, the same material as hair. When threatened it rolls into a tight ball, tucking its soft face, belly, and legs inside a protective sphere of quills that deters most predators.
Diet and foraging
Hedgehogs are insectivores that snuffle through leaf litter at night for beetles, worms, caterpillars, and slugs, which makes them a gardener's friend. They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing to locate prey in the dark.
Sources
Hedgehog FAQs
What are key facts about hedgehogs?
The European hedgehog is a small, spiny, nocturnal mammal famous for rolling into a tight ball of quills when threatened. A single hedgehog may carry around 5,000 spines, forages for insects and worms at night, and hibernates through winter. Wild hedgehogs typically live 2 to 5 years and are now listed as Near Threatened.
What is the scientific name of the hedgehog?
Erinaceus europaeus — used in research and conservation listings for hedgehogs.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are described as insectivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Hedgerows, woodland, and gardens.
Where do hedgehogs live?
They are associated with Hedgerows, woodland, and gardens. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of hedgehogs?
Listed in our guides as Near Threatened. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.