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This is a comprehensive Fact
File
of the European
hedgehog, more detailed
information can be found on the rest
of the hedgehog facts pages. Also, see our hedgehog books page to learn
more about the hedgehog.
| Common
Name |
European
Hedgehog |
| Scientific
Name |
Erinaceus
europaeus |
| Life
Span |
Up
to 5 years |
| Body
length |
15
- 30 cm |
| Weight |
1.5
- 2.0 kg |
| Physical
Description |
Hedgehogs
are Britain's only
spiny mammal, and may be covered in up to 6,000 spines, which are brown
with white tips. They have a short tail, and their underside is covered
in coarse brown fur.
More Info On The Hedgehogs Body |
| Diet |
Hedgehogs
eat small
invertebrates, such as slugs and earthworms. They occasionally eat the
eggs of ground nesting birds.
More Info The Hedgehogs Diet |
| Behavior |
Hedgehogs
are solitary and
nocturnal animals. In summer, hedgehogs spend the day in temporary
nests. Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter, in a small nest (a
hibernaculum). Most hedgehog deaths occur during this hibernation
period. Their spines offer protection from predators, when they roll up
into a tight ball covering the head and soft underside. Hedgehogs have
up to 2 litters a year, of about 4 - 5 young. |
| Senses |
Hedgehogs
eyesight is poor,
but their sense of smell and hearing is very good.
More Info The Hedgehogs Senses |
|
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