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.
Overview
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.
Biology
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is classified as Mammal with conservation status Near Threatened. Typical weight 0.6–1.2 kg (1.3–2.6 lb); lifespan around 2–5 years in the wild.
Ecology
Diet: Insectivore. Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland, and gardens. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Hedgehog profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related 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.
Hibernation
In cooler regions hedgehogs hibernate through winter, building a nest of leaves called a hibernaculum and dropping their body temperature to survive on stored fat. They may wake and move nests during mild spells, so a hedgehog seen in deep winter is not necessarily in trouble.
Conservation
European hedgehogs were reclassified as Near Threatened as populations decline across much of their range. Roads, habitat loss, pesticides that reduce insect food, and tidy, fenced gardens all play a part. Leaving wild corners, gaps in fences, and shallow water helps hedgehogs thrive.
Research notes
Figures for hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter hedgehogs in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Near Threatened) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Hedgehog: Key Facts & Natural History?
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
What do hedgehogs eat?
Insectivore
Where do hedgehogs live?
Hedgerows, woodland, and gardens
Are hedgehogs endangered?
Listed here as Near Threatened. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.