Hedgehogs may be small, but they’re packed with personality, charm, and a set of natural skills that make them unlike any other animal. Their signature spikes and endearing, twitchy noses have turned them into an international obsession, but there’s much more beneath their prickly exteriors.
These tiny mammals have evolved unique survival tactics and unusual habits that go far beyond their cute appearances. Here are 15 surprising insights that will change the way you think about these spiky little creatures, revealing just how remarkable they truly are.
1. Hedgehogs are Named for Their Foraging Habits
The name “hedgehog” comes from how these animals root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of food, combined with the pig-like grunts they make. (ref)
Their snouts are perfectly adapted for sniffing insects, worms, and other small prey hiding in the foliage.
Interestingly, hedgehogs are also known as “urchins” in some parts of the world, a name that stems from an old English word for hedgehogs.
No matter what you call them, these spiny foragers are undeniably charming.
2. A Group of Hedgehogs Is Called an “Array”
While hedgehogs are typically solitary creatures, they will sometimes gather in groups. When this happens, the group is charmingly called an “array” of hedgehogs.
It’s a fitting term, as a cluster of these prickly critters certainly makes for an impressive display.
Just imagine stumbling upon an array of hedgehogs going about their business in the wild – what a delightful sight that would be!
3. Hedgehogs are Lactose Intolerant
Despite their fondness for slurping up insects and other small animals, there’s one food that hedgehogs simply cannot tolerate: milk. (ref) That’s because hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzymes to digest milk sugar.
So, while it might be tempting to leave out a saucer of milk for any hedgehogs that visit your garden, it’s best to stick to water instead.
Meaty cat or dog food can be a suitable treat, but dairy is definitely off the menu for these little ones.
4. Hedgehogs Have Between 5,000 & 7,000 Spines
One of the most distinctive features of hedgehogs is their spiky coat. But did you know a single hedgehog can have 5,000 to 7,000 individual spines? (ref)
These spines are hollow hairs made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails.
When threatened, hedgehogs can roll into a tight ball, causing their spines to point outwards in all directions and making them a prickly mouthful for any would-be predators.
5. Hedgehogs are Nocturnal
If you’re hoping to spot a hedgehog in your garden, you must stay up past bedtime. That’s because hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
During the day, hedgehogs hunker down in nests made of leaves, twigs, and other foliage. But as soon as the sun goes down, they emerge to spend the night foraging for food and exploring their surroundings.
Some dedicated hedgehog watchers will even set up night-vision cameras to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures going about their business under the cover of darkness.
6. Hedgehogs are Powerful Swimmers
The hedgehog is a surprisingly adept swimmer for an animal that spends most of its time on land. Using their paddling feet and buoyant bodies, hedgehogs can cross rivers and even swim in the ocean for short periods.
This aquatic ability allows hedgehogs to access a wider range of habitats and food sources.
They’ve been known to take a dip in garden ponds and birdbaths, too, so if you have one in your yard, keep an eye out for any spikey swimmers!
7. Baby Hedgehogs are Called “Hoglets”
There are few things cuter than a tiny baby hedgehog. These pint-sized pricklers are called “hoglets,” they are born blind and helpless, with soft, short white spines.
A mother hedgehog will typically give birth to four or five hoglets at a time, and she will care for them in the nest until they are old enough to venture out on their own at around three weeks of age.
Their spines will have hardened by this time, equipping them with the same defensive capabilities as their parents.
8. Hedgehogs Have a Unique Defense Called “Self-anointing”
In addition to rolling up into a spiky ball when threatened, hedgehogs have another fascinating way of protecting themselves – a behavior known as “self-anointing.” (ref)
When a hedgehog encounters a new scent, it will often lick and bite the source before contorting to spread frothy saliva across its spines.
Experts believe this behavior may help hedgehogs camouflage their scent from predators or even act as a spiny defense, as the saliva sometimes contains toxic chemicals from poisonous insects or plants.
It’s an odd but undeniably cool adaptation.
9. Hedgehogs can Hibernate
In colder climates, hedgehogs cope with food scarcity and harsh weather by hibernating. As winter approaches, hedgehogs eat extra food to build up fat reserves before settling into a cozy hibernation nest.
During hibernation, a hedgehog’s body temperature drops, and its heart rate and breathing slow to a crawl, allowing it to conserve energy until spring.
Some hedgehogs can hibernate for up to six months— that’s one seriously long nap!
10. Hedgehogs Have a Strong Sense of Smell & Hearing
While hedgehogs may not be known for their keen eyesight, they make up for it with their other senses. Hedgehogs have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate food and navigate their environment.
They also have sensitive hearing, able to detect the subtle rustling of an insect in the undergrowth or the distant call of a potential mate.
These super senses make hedgehogs well-equipped for life in the wild.
11. Hedgehogs can Eat a Third of Their Body Weight in One Night
For their small size, hedgehogs have surprisingly big appetites. In a single night, a hedgehog can consume up to a third of its body weight in food!
Their diet consists mainly of insects like beetles, caterpillars, and earthworms, but they will also eat snails, frogs, bird eggs, and even small snakes.
With so much munching to do, it’s no wonder hedgehogs spend much of the night foraging.
12. Hedgehogs are Found on Several Continents
While many people associate hedgehogs with Europe, these spiny mammals have a much wider range. There are 17 different species of hedgehog found across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Some species, like the European hedgehog, are relatively widespread, while others, like the long-eared hedgehog of Central Asia, have more limited distributions.
Sadly, many hedgehog populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other human-related factors.
13. Hedgehogs Have a Special Relationship With Humans
Hedgehogs have long been a source of human fascination, appearing in folklore, literature, and popular culture worldwide. In some traditions, hedgehogs are seen as symbols of good luck, vitality, and protection.
Today, many people enjoy having hedgehogs as pets, although it’s important to note that not all species are suitable for domestic life and that even pet hedgehogs require specialized care.
For most people, the best way to appreciate hedgehogs is to observe them in the wild and work to protect their natural habitats.
14. Hedgehogs are Important for Controlling Pests
In addition to being adorable, hedgehogs play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. As voracious insectivores, hedgehogs help to control populations of pests like slugs, snails, and beetles that can damage crops and gardens.
A single hedgehog can eat dozens of insects at night, making them a valuable ally for farmers and gardeners.
By keeping insect populations in check, hedgehogs help maintain a healthy environmental balance.
15. Hedgehogs are Facing Numerous Threats
Despite their many charms, hedgehogs face several serious wild threats.
Habitat loss, pesticide use, road accidents, and predation by domestic pets have all contributed to declines in hedgehog populations in recent years. In some areas, hedgehog numbers have dropped by 50% in a decade. (ref)
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect these prickly creatures, but much work remains to ensure a bright future for hedgehogs.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.