European Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

The European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus, is a nocturnal spiny mammal found across much of western and northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland. It has a rounded body covered in brown-and-cream spines, a pointed snout, small eyes, and the familiar habit of curling into a tight ball when threatened. Hedgehogs feed mainly on beetles, caterpillars, worms, slugs, and other invertebrates, with occasional carrion or fallen fruit. In colder regions they hibernate in insulated nests made from leaves and grass.

This is a wild protected species in many areas, not the same as the African pygmy hedgehog kept in the pet trade. Garden care is often the most practical form of stewardship: provide gaps under fences, shallow water, leaf piles, and safe log or compost areas, while checking long grass, netting, drains, and bonfire piles before disturbance. Milk and bread are unsuitable foods; a wildlife rehabilitator can advise on emergency feeding if an injured, fly-struck, or underweight hedgehog is found. Release decisions depend on season, body condition, and suitable local habitat.