They may be small and covered in prickles, but hedgehogs are fascinating creatures with surprising abilities. Don’t let their spiky exterior fool you – these nocturnal insectivores are much more than just garden pests. Did you know they’re immune to certain snake venom or that they can run for miles in a single night? Keep reading to uncover the top 10 facts about hedgehogs that will have you looking at these backyard visitors in a whole new light!
Habitat and Sociability
Hedgehogs, comprising 17 species, exhibit a wide distribution across Europe, Africa, and Asia. In the UK, they inhabit diverse environments, including woodland, farmland, parks, and urban areas. Surprisingly adaptable, they thrive in cities, utilizing spaces like cemeteries and gardens, provided there’s food, shelter, and connectivity with fellow hedgehogs.
Nocturnal Behavior
Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal creatures, spending daylight hours in sleep or rest. During winter, they hibernate from November to mid-March, emerging in spring. Preferring cooler temperatures, they are active after dusk, avoiding daytime heat.
Dietary Preferences and Lactose Intolerance
Despite their endearing appearance, hedgehogs are carnivorous, preying on worms, slugs, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates and fruit. Contrary to popular belief, they are lactose intolerant, necessitating alternative dietary options such as wet cat food or specialized hedgehog food.
Predatory Instincts and Physical Abilities
Hedgehogs, adept runners and climbers, possess impressive predatory instincts. They can swim proficiently, showcasing a diverse skill set suited for survival in various environments – one of the hedgehogs fun facts.
Physical Characteristics
Measuring 20–25cm in length and weighing up to 1.2kg, hedgehogs are adorned with approximately 5,000-7,000 spines, modified hairs covering their back and sides. Sporting a coarse, grey-brown fur on other body parts, they exhibit a unique anatomical feature – a small tail.
Decline in Population
Despite their resilience, hedgehog populations are dwindling, with evidence suggesting a decline of over half in rural areas and a third in urban areas since 2000 – one of the striking hedgehogs facts.
Threats to Survival
Hedgehogs face numerous threats to their survival, including accidental deaths from road collisions, lawnmowers, strimmers, and exposure to garden chemicals, contributing to a shorter lifespan than their potential two to three years – one of the top 10 facts about hedgehogs.
