European hedgehog
European hedgehog
Mammal
A spiny mammal often found foraging in gardens and woodland undergrowth.
💡 Fun Facts
- They have around 5,000 to 7,000 spines covering their backs for protection.
- When threatened, they roll into a tight ball, protecting their soft faces and bellies.
- They are highly immune to snake venom.
Name Story
Erinaceus europaeus
means “The European hedgehog — the 'hedge-pig'”
What does its name mean?
- Erinaceus — hedgehogLatin
- europaeus — European, of EuropeLatin
- hedgehog — hedge + pigMiddle English (common name)
The English name is the real treat: 'hedgehog' means 'hedge-pig', for the way it snuffles and grunts like a little pig along the bottom of the hedgerows.