Hedgehog

The hedgehog is a small mammal found across Europe, Asia and Africa, with several species adapted to different environments. It lives in forests, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens and farmland, usually choosing places that provide plenty of shelter. Its most recognizable feature is the thousands of stiff spines covering its back. These spines are modified hairs made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails.

When threatened, the hedgehog contracts powerful muscles beneath its skin and curls into a tight ball, protecting its head, legs and belly behind a barrier of sharp spines. Hedgehogs are mainly active at night, when they search for insects, beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, snails and other small animals. They also eat fruit, mushrooms and occasionally bird eggs when available, making them opportunistic omnivores rather than strict insect eaters.

A hedgehog relies heavily on its keen sense of smell and hearing to find food and detect danger in the dark. During the colder months, several species enter true hibernation, lowering their body temperature, heart rate and metabolism to conserve energy until spring. Females usually give birth to a litter of young in a carefully hidden nest made from leaves and grass.

The babies are born with soft, pale spines beneath the skin, which become visible and harden soon after birth. Although hedgehogs remain widespread in many regions, habitat loss, road traffic, pesticides and the decline of insect populations threaten some species. Creating wildlife-friendly gardens and protecting natural habitats can help support their survival.