Hedgehog Facts

Some facts about our hedgehogs in Ireland

The variety of hedgehog in ireland is The European Hedgehog 

The hedgehog got its name because of its peculiar foraging habits. They root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of their favourite food - small creatures such as insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes. As it moves through the hedges it emits pig-like grunts — thus, the name hedgehog.

The hedgehog is nocturnal, coming out at night and spending the day sleeping in a nest under bushes or thick shrubs.

Their coats are thick and spiny, providing them with a formidable defence against predators such as the fox. When they feel alarmed or intimidated, they will curl up into a spiny ball to protect its vulnerable stomach.

Some people consider hedgehogs useful pets because they prey on many common garden pests. While on the hunt, they rely upon their senses of hearing and smell because their eyesight is weak.

They have about 5000 spines.  Each spine lasts about a year then drops out and a replacement grows.  

The image below show what the hedgehogs spines protect and thats its vulnerable stomach