If you’re here, then I’m sure you love Hedgehogs just as much as I do. How well do you know them? Here are some interesting facts about our spiky friends.
1) They are nocturnal, which means they sleep in the day and come out at night. If you see a hedgehog in the daytime, it can mean they are poorly.
2) They are called Hedgehogs for a reason. The ‘Hedge’ part of their name comes from where they build their nests hedges, bushes and shrubs. The ‘hog’ part comes from the small snorting/ grunting sound they make which is similar to a pig/warthog.
Hedgehogs have the ability to hibernate (although not all do), which makes them one of only three mammals that hibernate in the UK. Hibernating means that they hole themselves up and stay in a dormant state for winter. I’d like to do that myself if I’m honest.
4) Like many animals, hedgehogs are lactose intolerant.
So milk should never be left out for them, water is perfectly fine.
5) They weren’t always called Hedgehogs.
The hedgehog was not always called a hedgehog. Before this they were called Urchins which led to the naming of Sea Urchins.
6) Their long snout is useful.
Hedgehogs have a really long snout to help them hunt. It is even ahead of their mouths as it makes it easier to forage for their staple diet of insects, worms, caterpillers and berries.
7) They don’t use their eyes to hunt.
They hunt primarily using they hearing and smell because their eyesight is not very good, although they can see quite well in the dark.
8) There isn’t just one species of hedgehog.
There are 15 different species of hedgehog in the world. Each are similar but have small charistic and habitual differences. The UK only has one native species, the European Hedgehog.
9) They have over 5,000 spikes
Hedgehogs have around 5000 to 7000 spines on their back. These can be raised and lowered to respond to threatening situations. Each quill/ spine lasts about a year before dropping out and being replaced.
10) They have intelligent self protection.
The hedgehog has a vulnerable stomach, which is why it curls up into a spiky ball when predators such as badgers are around.
11) They self-anoint for protection
If a hedgehog smells or tastes something really strong, it will attempt to cover itself in foamy saliva, much like a cat cleaning itself. This is called self-anointing.
12) They are solitary creatures
Hedgehogs venture out on their own after only four to seven weeks of nurturing from their mother. They usually then spend their entire lives alone with the exception of pairing up to mate with another hedgehog. However, I often see 3-4 hedgehogs in my garden feeding bowl.
13) A group of Hedgehogs is called an array.
It is extremely rare that you will see multiple hedgehogs together in one place other than when mating, but if you do it is called an array.
14) Hedgehogs are a gardeners friend.
Hedgehogs have earnt this reputation because of their eating habits. Not only do they enjoy berries and fruit but the staple of their diet is made up from pests that are common in our back gardens such as beetles and caterpillars. This helps preserve the fruit and vegetables you may have growing in your gardens.
15) Little legs walk far.
When hedgehogs are out to forage in the evening, they can travel for up to 2 miles, that’s a long way for little legs!
Stay tuned for more fun facts…..
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