The hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
The hedgehog’s quills make it unique and unmistakable. The quills are actually modified hairs, and no other animal in Sweden has such an adaptation. The hedgehog is a truly ancient species — it has existed for more than 65 million years.
About
Hedgehogs are a gardener’s best friend, feeding on snails, slugs, and insects as they forage mainly at night. They usually hibernate from November to April and must build up sufficient fat reserves to survive the winter. Mating takes place in spring, and after a gestation period of 5–6 weeks, 2–10 pups are born. The female raises the young on her own. Hedgehogs thrive in a wide range of human-shaped environments, including orchards, farmland, parks, and gardens – even in urban areas.
The hedgehog’s spines make it unlike any other Swedish mammal. These spines serve as an effective defense, especially when the hedgehog curls up into a tight ball with its spines erect. While the species is not considered under major threat across most of its range, many hedgehogs are injured or killed in collisions with cars or by robotic lawnmowers in gardens.
Fact
Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus
Conservation status: NT (Near Threatened)
Size: Body length 20–30 cm, height 10–15 cm. The tail measures only 1.5–4 cm.
Weight: 0.5–1 kg
Number of young: 2–10
Did you know that
In ancient times, people said that the hedgehog was the bear’s only true enemy — because it could supposedly jump into the bear’s mouth and tear open its stomach from the inside.
The hedgehog is an ancient species that has existed for around 65 million years.
At Artportalen.se you can report hedgehog sightings to help track the population across Sweden.
If you want hedgehogs to thrive in your garden, leave a pile of leaves — they make excellent shelters for these small animals.
Conservation status
