Species Focus

Hedgehog

(Erinaceus europaeus)

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs have brown fur with yellow tipped spines and a small pointed face. They feed on insects, especially slugs, beetles and worms.

Discover: Hedgehog

If given the chance hedgehogs will also eat amphibians and eggs of ground nesting birds.

  • Conservation status: Vulnerable (ICUN Red List); Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
  • Measurements: Length: 15-30 cm, tail: 1-2 cm, weight: up to 2 kg.

An individual hedgehog has around 7000  spines made from adapted hair.

Hedgehog

Can you spot: Hedgehogs can mainly be spotted between April and October when they’re not hibernating in their winter nests.

Did you know: Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. To help support local hedgehogs, you can try putting out some meat-based cat or dog food  and a shallow water dish, but leave the milk in the fridge!

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