European Hedgehog
| Latin Name | Erinaceus europaeus |
|---|---|
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Eulipotyphla |
| Family | Erinaceidae |
| IUCN status | Least concern |
| Habitat | Thrives in man-made habitats such as gardens, orchards, vineyards and woodlands Distribution Endemic to Europe including Russia |
General Information
The hedgehog is abundant throughout its range and a popular visitor to gardens in the UK. It is mainly nocturnal when it forages for worms, slugs, earwigs, fallen fruits, eggs and surprisingly it will eat young grass snakes and adders as it is somewhat immune to snake venom. It usually hibernates in winter which is followed by the breeding season. In the wild they may only live a few years but could reach up to 10 years.
Fun Fact
Hedgehog babies called hoglets are born naked and blind. But within 48 hours, a layer of fine white prickles emerge through the skin to protect them.
Keeper Notes
Our two resident hedgehogs are rescues who cannot return to the wild. Penelope only has one eye and Pinky is leucistic, meaning that he is white. He is also unable to curl up into a ball to protect himself from predators.