Western European Hedgehog Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum Common Name: Western European Hedgehog Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Insectivora Family: Erinaceidae Genus: Erinaceus Species: europaeus Museum Location: Display Cabinet 656 Description: The hedgehog is a small, rounded animal having five-toes with well padded feet. The second, third and forth digits are the same length with very strong claws; while the first and fifth digit are smaller. The hind feet are slightly longer, but the same width as the forefeet. The hedgehog has a pointy snout, round eyes, and short rounded ears that are almost completely covered by fur. Hedgehogs are about 5 ½ inches - 12 inches long; with the males being slightly larger than the females. The body of the hedgehog is covered with spines, with the exception of the facial area and the legs which are covered by fur. The dense spines of an adult hedgehog can reach up to an inch in length. The medulla of each spine is filled with air pockets that aid in reducing the weight of the animal. Hedgehogs can weigh up to 2 pounds. Habitat and Range: Typical habitats for the hedgehog include temperate shrub land, subtropical and tropical dry shrub land and temperate grasslands. The hedgehog prefers open woods and grassy heaths, cultivated land, scrub and sand dunes, parks and cemeteries. It ranges from sea level to about 8,000ft; provided that there is adequate cover. Though hedgehogs are currently found only on eastern continents, fossilized hedgehogs have been found in North America. Diet: The hedgehog eats a wide range of invertebrates, but prefers earthworms, slugs, beetles and snails. Hedgehogs also eat frogs, small reptiles, young birds and mice, carrion, small bird eggs, acorns, fruits, and berries. Behavior: The hedgehog is solitary except during breeding season. This animal builds its nest with grass and leaves in tree roots or under a bush. It forages about from dusk till dawn in constant search of food. It noisily sniffs out worms, insects, snails, and small vertebrates with the use of echolocation. The eyesight of the hedgehog is poor, but its hearing and smell (olfaction) are acute. Communication: The hedgehog makes a variety of snuffling and snorting vocalizations, as well as clacking their teeth. They use noise to locate their prey (echolocation). Hedgehog young make bird-like whistles and quack while in the nest. A scream can be made when in distress. Reproduction: Hedgehogs have an interesting "self- anointing" behavior in which they spread large amount of foamy saliva on the spines. This may be done as sexual attraction during breeding season, but it can also be seen as reducing parasites, cleaning spines, or as additional protection from predators. The gestation period is approximately 31-49 days, after which 1-9 young are born. The hedgehog's life span is about 6 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity. Species Status: The hedgehog is quite adaptable to life with humans and is a delight to gardeners because it feeds on common pests. Its ready adaptations to domestic life have made it a popular, if uncommon, pet. Interesting Facts: When frightened, a hedgehog rolls itself into a tight ball with its spines pointing outward. When rolled up, it is invulnerable to almost any predator. This posture is aided by paired, longitudinal "drawstring" muscles (panniculus carnosus) on either side of the body. The European Hedgehog is considered one of the only insectivores to undergo true hibernation throughout the winter. By Oowais Siddique & updated by Rejani Ann Rajan