Hedgehog
Gráinneog
Erinaceus europaeus
Size :
40 cm
Over 5000 Spines
Easily recognisable the Hedgehog is a small mammal with sharp spines coving most of their body, the spines are actually stiff hairs made of Keratin, Hedgehogs are mainly nocturnal and can roll into a ball when threatened to prevent potential attackers from being able to harm them. They are quite vocal and can often be heard grunting in gardens at night or crunching snail shells loudly. Although Hedgehogs hibernate for the winter period it is estimated that only 50% survive to the following spring, however they do produce between 3-4 young per litter. They live on average between 4 and 7 years in the wild although some have been known to reach 15 or 16 years of age.
The Hedgehog represents the gardeners friend, it is excellent at re-moving snails and slugs from a garden, it is also highly partial to cat food.