The Hedgehog | British Garden Wildlife
The hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a small mammal that is native to mainland Britain. They have a distinctive round body covered in short, dark, yellow-tipped spines. The hedgehog's face and undersides are covered in very coarse hair. When startled or in danger, the hedgehog rolls into a tight ball, with only their spines exposed.
Although hedgehogs have poor eyesight, they have good hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. Hedgehogs are also good runners, climbers, and they can swim.
The hedgehog eats beetles, snails, slugs, carrion, and earthworms. The hedgehog is lactose intolerant, so do not feed it milk (or bread); dog food or cat food would be best.
Hedgehog numbers have been declining for the past 30 years, as many are killed unintentionally on the roads, by garden chemicals, or by garden machinery, including lawnmowers and garden strimmers.
The hedgehog is nocturnal and in summer, spends most of the day in its nest of moss, leaves, and grass. The hedgehog comes out at night in spring and summer to forage for food, usually between April and October. In the autumn, the hedgehog finds a sheltered spot to hibernate.
Although hedgehogs have poor eyesight, they have good hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. Hedgehogs are also good runners, climbers, and they can swim.
The hedgehog eats beetles, snails, slugs, carrion, and earthworms. The hedgehog is lactose intolerant, so do not feed it milk (or bread); dog food or cat food would be best.
Hedgehog numbers have been declining for the past 30 years, as many are killed unintentionally on the roads, by garden chemicals, or by garden machinery, including lawnmowers and garden strimmers.
The hedgehog is nocturnal and in summer, spends most of the day in its nest of moss, leaves, and grass. The hedgehog comes out at night in spring and summer to forage for food, usually between April and October. In the autumn, the hedgehog finds a sheltered spot to hibernate.
