By Carys Matthews

Published: Tuesday, 08 February 2022 at 12:00 am

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The Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of Britain’s favourite mammals. Hedgehogs are brown in colour and stocky, with short spikes, small ears, with bellies close to the ground and a short tail. Adults are around 25cm long. They are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to find evidence of them than actually see one – although they are known for being quite noisy: grunting and snuffling around in your garden looking for food.

Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter, and emerge during breeding season between April and September. Their typical nest is made from dried leaves tucked away underneath a structure such as a log, shed or even a dry compost heap. In November, hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable as an unlit bonfire makes the perfect home for them as they’re starting to look for somewhere safe to hibernate. It’s important to check for them before lighting.

Our species guide to hedgehogs includes what they eat, where they live, signs to look for, whether they’re endangered, how to keep them safe on bonfire night and how you can help hedgehogs in your garden today.

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What do hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs are known for eating slugs and snails, making them excellent pest controllers on allotments and in gardens. They’ll also munch on berries, invertebrates, frogs and eggs. They’ll even have a go at young adders, as they have some natural resistance to adder venom. Hedgehogs can travel up to 2km in search of food – trundling along with surprising speed. They’re also good swimmers.

If you want to feed the hedgehogs in your garden, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society recommends meaty cat or dog food, or biscuits – just check that the main ingredient of the biscuits is meat.

What is the scientific name of the European hedgehog?

The scientific name of the European hedgehog (our native species) is Erinaceaus europaeus. It’s found across Western and Northern Europe, although native numbers in the UK have fallen in the past 10 years by 30 per cent. The European hedgehog is one of 14 hedgehog species found worldwide.

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Where do hedgehogs live?

Hedgehogs like dry spaces such as under garden sheds, near compost heaps, hedges or even just an untidy bit of your garden. As a result, it is important be cautious when moving or disturbing such spaces. Take special care during the winter months, as the hedgehog will be hibernating. If you make your garden more hedgehog friendly or build a hedgehog house, then you may be able to see them go for food and drink.

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Do hedgehogs hibernate?

During the evenings in the summer months is your best chance of seeing a hedgehog as depending on the temperature, hedgehogs hibernate from November through to March or April.

During hibernation, a hedgehog’s body temperature can fall to less than 10°C, its heart slows to fewer than 20 beats a minute and it virtually stops breathing.  Hedgehogs build winter nests, called a hibernaculum, under leaves or structures such as sheds or, unfortunately bonfires which is why it is essential to check before lighting.

What is hibernation?

Hibernation is a way for many creatures – from butterflies to bats – to survive cold, dark winters without having to forage for food or migrate to somewhere warmer. Instead, they turn down their metabolisms to save energy.

Find out more about hibernation

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When do hedgehogs breed?

Hedgehogs tend to breed between April and September.

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