European hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Wildlife Explorer collectible · European hedgehog
🦔 Discover the European hedgehog
The European hedgehog is a well-known nocturnal animal native to the Netherlands and large parts of Europe. It forages for food and shelter in gardens, parks, forest edges, and other green areas.
🔎 At a glance
- Habitat: Europe, including the Netherlands
- Activity: mainly at night
- Diet: mainly small animals and invertebrates
- Characteristic: thousands of spines
🌿 Where does it live?
Hedgehogs feel at home in places with shrubs, leaves, grass, and sufficient hiding places. A nature-friendly garden can also be part of their habitat.
🍎 What does it eat?
Hedgehogs eat beetles, larvae, worms, and other small invertebrates, among other things. They mainly search for food when dusk begins.
🌙 How it lives
When in danger, a hedgehog rolls up and uses its spines for protection. During the day, it usually rests hidden in dense vegetation or a sheltered spot.
💡 Did you know?
- A hedgehog can have thousands of spines.
- Hedgehogs are most active at dusk and at night.
- A safe passage between gardens can make a big difference.
- A tidy garden often offers fewer hiding places.
🌿 Threats & protection
Traffic, habitat fragmentation, and the disappearance of messy, green areas can put hedgehogs under pressure. Therefore, leave a part of the garden natural, do not use pesticides, and where possible, create small passages between gardens.
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