Hedgehog

Hedgehog is the common name for small spiny mammals belonging to the subfamily Erinaceinae. Their most distinctive feature is the back and sides, from which project sharp spines made of keratin, the same material that makes up hair and nails.

Hedgehogs are typically nocturnal, solitary animals that forage on the ground. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, and small invertebrates; they sometimes also eat fruit and eggs. They are found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting diverse regions including deserts, grasslands, and cultivated fields.

Appearance and body structure

The body is stocky and short, the head is pointed, and the snout resembles a protruding muzzle. Spines do not cover the face, belly, and legs, which are instead clothed in fine fur. When threatened, a hedgehog employs a specialized muscle around the body to curl into a ball, causing the spines on the back to project outward while the soft-furred parts retract inside.

Behavior

Hedgehogs are predominantly nocturnal. They rely heavily on smell and touch when foraging, as their eyesight is poor. Some species in temperate regions undergo extended winter hibernation, during which body temperature drops when food is scarce. Other species in warmer regions may enter aestivation (summer dormancy).

Reproduction

Females bear the young, which are born blind with soft spines beneath the skin; these spines begin to emerge within hours and gradually harden. The mother nurses the young and cares for them until they begin to forage independently.

Relationship with humans

In many parts of Europe, hedgehogs are considered garden animals that help control garden pests, as they eat insects and worms that damage plants. They are affected by road traffic, habitat change, and pesticide use. Some species are kept as domestic pets, a practice regulated by law in certain countries.