Hedgehogs Facts, are charming little mammals with surprising traits hidden behind their cute exterior. Found across Europe, Africa, and Asia, they feature sharp spines covering most parts of their bodies except their faces, legs, and bellies – this makes for quite the mini quilt!
Are you curious to discover all that makes these incredible little thorns remarkable? This list sheds light on some fantastic hedgehog facts that will leave your jaw hanging open!
9 Incredible Facts About Hedgehogs
1: Originally, They Weren’t Referred to As ‘Hedgehogs’
Yes, hedgehog was not always known by this term. Urchins were first called these small creatures before later coming to represent sea urchins with spiked bodies similar to hedgehogs’ appearance.
Named for their habit of foraging beneath hedgerows and making distinctive, hog-like noises when foraging for food, hedgehogs earned their moniker from both practices and sounds they make similar to what you may associate with one!
2: Hedgehogs Are Carnivores
Hedgehogs may appear harmless at first glance, yet these cute mammals are fierce predators with an expansive diet – which places them among carnivorous animals. Hedgehogs typically feed on worms, slugs, earwigs, millipedes, beetles, and other small insects such as millipedes; other foods consumed may include frogs, baby birds, snakes, eggs, and occasionally fruit as food sources for them to devour! They rely heavily on their acute senses of smell and hearing when hunting their prey, making them powerful carnivorous predators in their ecosystems!
3: Hedgehogs Are Nocturnal
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning that they tend to be most active at night and prefer sleeping during the day. To stay protected from disturbances or predators while resting, hedgehogs tend to hide away in their nests for protection while using darkness as cover when traversing their surroundings, thus decreasing risks from encounters with predators while simultaneously improving chances of sustenance acquisition.
4: Hedgehogs Boast 5,000 – 7,000 Spines
One fantastic fact about hedgehogs is their impressive spine count of up to 7,000; these modified hairs consist of keratin (which also occurs naturally in human hair and nails).
Hedgehogs are born with less than 200 spines hidden underneath their skin. As they mature and undergo quilling to shed off initial spines for adult spines to replace, each lasts approximately one year before dropping out and being replaced by new spines. When threatened, hedgehogs quickly curl into balls using powerful muscles to lift and raise their spines as protection from predators.
5: Hedgehogs Come in 15 Different Species
There are 15 species of hedgehogs worldwide, each possessing unique qualities and habits. Within the UK, only the European Hedgehog exists as the native species.
Other species include Amur Hedgehogs, Southern White-breasted Hedgehogs, Southern African Hedgehogs, and Somali Hedgehogs. Although they share similar appearances, subtle distinctions distinguish each one from the others.
6: Hedgehogs Have Poor Eyesight
Hedgehogs typically possess poor eyesight, making their nocturnal lifestyle easy for their sight. However, they can detect objects such as trees with limited peripheral vision and limited color perception (including cream-tone hues). With limited binocular vision and depth perception compared to diurnal animals.
But in spite of these shortcomings, hedgehogs manage just fine as nocturnal foragers who emerge at night to search for food and find shelter from predators. Their senses of smell and hearing allow them to locate food sources efficiently, even without visual cues, helping them navigate in darkness more effectively than most.
7: Hedgehogs Are Lactose Intolerant
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, meaning that they lack an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose (milk sugar).
Animal experts warn against feeding hedgehogs any cow’s milk or dairy products as this may lead to severe digestive issues and potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, water should always be chosen instead as a hydrant in times of dehydration needs – matching their physiological requirements ensures health and well-being in this regard.
8: Hedgehogs Can Hibernate
Hedgehogs stand out among mammals by being true hibernators. They enter what’s known as torpor—physical and mental inactivity to conserve energy—to conserve their resources for later. Their dormant phase usually lasts from October through March; in milder winter conditions, however, some hedgehogs might stay awake until November or December before entering torpor. Some might even decide not to hibernate altogether!
Hibernating mammals experience significant body temperature drops and slower functions as their physical needs decline. Their bodies rely solely on stored body fat as their food source through winter months.
9: Group of Hedgehogs Is Called an Array
Hedgehogs often live solitary lives; therefore, seeing multiple hedgehogs together at one time is quite rare. However, exceptions usually exist during mating season when mating may take place.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are fascinating animals with distinctive qualities and behaviors. From their original name of “urchins” to their carnivorous diet and nocturnal habits, each aspect provides endless entertainment and knowledge-based fodder! Hedgehogs make fascinating companions.
Hedgehog facts reveal a fascinating narrative of resilience, adaptation, and ingenuity across 15 species worldwide.
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about hedgehogs?
- Hedgehogs were initially known as “urchins.”
- These carnivorous creatures have an eclectic diet.
- Nocturnal in habit.
- Sporting between 5,000 and 7,000 spines on their bodies,Â
- Hedgehogs can hibernate during winter.
How fast can hedgehogs run?
Hedgehogs can reach speeds of 6 miles per hour during their runs.
How long do hedgehogs live?
Hedgehogs typically live for 4 to 6 years in the wild.
What is the hedgehog’s enemy?
Foxes, wolves, and mongooses are known to attack hedgehogs.
Why is it called a hedgehog?
Named so due to their tendency to forage under hedgerows and making sounds similar to that of an animal called a hedgehog, hedgehogs get their nickname.