European Hedgehog

Starvation is the most common cause of death, often happening during hibernation, so weight and food intake before winter matters.^[1]

Hedgehogs hibernate in winter - a pet owner should be aware this is a normal behaviour, not illness, for this species.^[1]

Faulty or poor teeth appear in a notable proportion of New Zealand hedgehogs, suggesting dental issues can be a concern in this species.^[1]

Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so low activity during the day is normal and not necessarily a sign of illness.^[1]

Average life expectancy is only around three years, though they can live over ten, so age-related decline may appear relatively early.^[1]

Starvation is the most common cause of death, often occurring during hibernation, so weight and food intake before winter matters.^[1]

Faulty or poor teeth appear to be common - around 50% of some populations show this trait, so dental health is worth monitoring.^[1]

Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so unusual daytime activity or lethargy could be a sign something is wrong.^[1]

They have a hesitant gait and frequently stop to smell the air, so allow them to move at their own slow, cautious pace.^[1]

When alarmed, a hedgehog will roll into a tight ball - give it time and quiet to relax before attempting to handle it further.^[1]

Their body is covered in up to 6000 spines, so handle with care to avoid being pricked, especially if the animal feels threatened.^[1]

They are a favourite in gardens for eating pests, suggesting some comfort around human environments, but they are not domesticated animals.^[1]

They may hibernate in winter, so a hedgehog that seems very inactive or unresponsive in cold conditions may simply be in or near hibernation.^[1]

They build and use nests regularly, so providing a quiet, sheltered hiding spot will help them feel secure in an unfamiliar setting.^[1]

Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so expect them to be most active at night and less responsive or alert during the day.^[1]

They have a hesitant gait and frequently stop to smell the air, so allow them time to settle and sniff when placed in a new environment.^[1]

Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so expect them to be most active at night and less responsive or sleepy during daytime handling.^[1]

When alarmed, a hedgehog will roll into a tight ball as a defence - avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may trigger this response.^[1]

Their body is covered in up to 6000 spines, so handle with care to avoid being pricked - let the animal uncurl naturally rather than forcing it open.^[1]

They are insectivores with a strong preference for invertebrates - plant-based treats are not a natural part of their diet.^[1]

European hedgehogs may hibernate in winter, so a pet sitter should be aware the animal may be inactive or in a deep sleep during colder months.^[1]

They are most abundant near human settlements and gardens, suggesting some tolerance of human presence, but they are not described as sociable or interactive pets.^[1]

On two islands - North Ronaldsay and Alderney - around 25% of hedgehogs are 'blonde', caused by a rare pair of recessive genes.^[1]

Eurasian eagle-owls grab hedgehogs by the face, then skillfully skin their prickly backs with talons before eating them.^[1]

In some areas, hedgehogs make up nearly a third of an eagle-owl's diet by body mass - making them a surprisingly top menu choice.^[1]

When hedgehogs were shipped to New Zealand in the 1860s-1890s, the long voyage of up to 100 days meant survivors arrived completely flea-free.^[1]

New Zealand hedgehogs have been spotted climbing glaciers, despite the species generally avoiding cold alpine zones.^[1]

Newborn hedgehogs are born blind, but by just 11 days old they can already roll into a defensive ball.^[1]

Starvation during hibernation - not predators or disease - is the single most common cause of death for European hedgehogs.^[1]

A hedgehog can carry up to 6,000 spines on its body, each one brown and white in colour.^[1]