How to Identify the Hedgehog

The hedgehog is famous throughout the world because of the popular Sega character Sonic the Hedgehog. What is the hedgehog like in real life? Here is how to identify the real hedgehog in the wild.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Notate your location to see if you are in the hedgehog's range. The hedgehog can be found throughout all of Africa and most of Europe and Asia. This prickly mammal likes to live in a number of different habitats, and adapts well. They can be found in the desert, forests, woodlands and grasslands.

2. Observe the thousands of spines that cover the majority of the hedgehog's body. The hedgehog is covered with sharp spines that are white in coloration. They use these spines to help them stay safe from predators, and the spines are quite effective. When a hedgehog is threatened, it will curl up into a ball leaving only the spines available to chew on. Very few predators can get through these defensive measures, but the badger is one that can.

3. Look at the hedgehog's small size. The hedgehog is only about a foot long, and weighs about 35 oz. This small size does not stop the hedgehog from hunting some pretty impressive animals. The hedgehog will eat primarily insects, but it will also eat small mice and birds, and the occasional reptile. Amazingly, a hedgehog will actually attack and eat a poisonous snake on occasion as the fangs of the snake can not get through the spines.

4. Listen to the snorts, grunts and squeals of the hedgehog. The hedgehog has very few natural predators looking for it, so it does not bother to be silent. As it looks around the forests or deserts for food, it will often make all kinds of funny noises. Chances are if you are near a hedgehog you will know it. The hedgehog also will scream a high pitched squeal when it is threatened or mad. This sound is unmistakable.

5. Know the hedgehog's primary habits. The hedgehog usually stays in its nest during the daytime and comes out to feed at night. This is one of the best times to encounter a hedgehog in the wild. Protected as they are, they are not very fast. As such, if you come across one you can usually observe it. Also, the hedgehog goes into hibernation in the extreme cold of winter. The hedgehog will also hibernate in the summer months when it is very hot. This is called aestivation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know of a trail that a hedgehog has been spotted on, stake it out. The hedgehog goes down the same trails every time.
• The hedgehog is a creature of habit, so use this to locate them in the wild.
• The hedgehog has very strong spines and they are sharp. Keep your skin away.