Animal Profiles
Mammals

Hedgehog

Erinaceidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Hedgehogs are spiny mammals that investigate the ground for food. This account focuses on the European hedgehog.

Erinaceidae

Gibe · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
European hedgehogs use woodland edges, grassland, hedges and gardens within their range.
Habitat
Grassland, Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Mainly insects and other small invertebrates, with other foods taken opportunistically.

Classification

Common name
Hedgehog
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Erinaceidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Erinaceomorpha
Family
Erinaceidae
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • The spines are modified hairs.
  • European hedgehogs mainly forage at night.
  • Curling up protects the softer underside.

Habitat and range

European hedgehogs use woodland edges, grassland, hedges and gardens within their range.

Appearance and adaptations

Modified hairs form the defensive spines. A pointed snout and strong sense of smell help locate food among vegetation and leaf litter.

Diet and behaviour

European hedgehogs are mainly nocturnal and usually forage alone. Curling into a ball protects the softer underside when threatened.

Sources

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