Western European hedgehog
The Western European hedgehog, also known as the European hedgehog, is a common species found predominantly in woodland areas across Europe and central Asia. These small mammals, measuring approximately 8 to 10 inches in length and weighing around 40 ounces, are recognized for their distinctive bodies covered in 5,000 to 7,000 sharp spines, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, carrion, and occasionally pet food if they inhabit gardens or areas near humans.
Nocturnal by nature, Western European hedgehogs are solitary creatures that dig burrows for resting and hibernating during winter months. Mating occurs between April and September, and after a gestation period of 30 to 49 days, females give birth to one to nine offspring. The young are independent between four to six weeks after birth and reach full maturity by 11 months. While these hedgehogs face threats from various predators like dogs, badgers, and owls, they can live up to eight years in the wild, with longer lifespans reported in captivity. Their presence in gardens is often welcomed due to their role in controlling pests, making them a valuable part of the ecosystem.
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Western European hedgehog
Western European hedgehogs are some of the most common of the hedgehog family. They are sometimes referred to simply as European hedgehogs. They live in the wooded areas of Europe and central Asia and are welcome in people's gardens because they eat insects and mice. They curl into a spiny ball when attacked.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Erinaceidae
Genus: Erinaceus
Species: Europaeus
The western European hedgehog lives mainly in woodland areas. Since they eat so many insects and other pests, people do not mind having them also live in their gardens and yards. They may even find homes on the edges of vacant lots, parks, and playgrounds.
Western European hedgehogs forage for worms, insects, carrion (dead animals), mice, seeds, nuts, and fruit. If they live near people, they may look for and eat pet food. Although these animals are small, only eight to 10 inches (20 1/3 to 25 1/2 centimeters) long, they do not have to worry very much about being eaten because they have 5,000 to 7,000 sharp spines about one inch (2 1/2 centimeters) long covering their bodies. They weigh around 40 ounces (1,100 grams) as adults.
Usually, hedgehogs live alone in their burrows, which they dig with their powerful legs and strong claws. They rest during the day and are active at night (nocturnal). The burrows are also where hedgehogs will hibernate during the winter. About the only time hedgehogs get together is when they mate. A male and female mate between April and September. The female is pregnant for 30 to 49 days (a time called gestation) before she gives birth to one to nine young. The male hedgehog does not help in raising the young. The young leave their mother when they are between four and six weeks old and are fully grown after 11 months.
Most of the time a hedgehog walks slowly, waddling from side to side. When it needs to, though, it can run up to 6 1/2 feet (two meters) per second.
Dogs, badgers, foxes, snakes, and owls may prey on the western European hedgehog. Western European hedgehogs live about eight years, although they may live longer in captivity.
Bibliography
Dunning, Hayley. “European Hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus).” Natural History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/hedgehog-erinaceus-europaeus.html. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.
“European Hedgehog Facts, Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle, Baby, Pictures.” Animal Spot, 2024, www.animalspot.net/european-hedgehog.html. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.