Hedgehogs

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a small mammal known for the thousands of stiff spines covering its back and sides. The spines are actually hardened hairs. In Türkiye, the very similar white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor and Erinaceus roumanicus) are the common species, with largely the same way of life. The quick facts on this page refer to the European hedgehog.

Where does it live?

It lives in western and northern Europe, in woodland edges, hedgerows, meadows, farmland and especially gardens and parks in towns. People introduced it to New Zealand.

What does it eat?

It is an insectivore that eats beetles, worms, snails, slugs and caterpillars. When it gets the chance, it may also eat bird eggs, fruit and carrion.

Behaviour and social life

Hedgehogs live alone and are active at night. They may walk several kilometres a night looking for food. When in danger they tense their muscles, roll into a ball and point their spines in every direction. In the cold months they hibernate in nests made of leaves and twigs.

Young

In summer, the female usually has 4–5 young. Hoglets are born with soft spines that harden quickly.

Conservation status

In 2024 the IUCN moved the European hedgehog from Least Concern to Near Threatened (NT). Habitat loss, gardens sealed off by fences, road accidents, pesticides and declining insect numbers are the main threats.

Fun facts

• An adult hedgehog has about 5,000–7,000 spines on its back.
• Hedgehogs cannot digest cow's milk; giving them milk and bread is harmful.
• Cutting a small gap in garden fences helps hedgehogs move between gardens.