Hedgehogs what do they look like

They remain active all year in more temperate locations. These solitary animals typically couple only for mating. The young born each year, in litters ranging from one to eleven, remain with their mothers for only four to seven weeks before heading out on their own.

Among the predators females must guard against during this period are other male hedgehogs, which will sometimes prey upon the young of their species. Hedgehog mothers have also been known to eat their young if the nest is disturbed, though they sometimes simply move them to a new nest.

All rights reserved. Common Name: Hedgehog. Scientific Name: Erinaceus europaeus. Type: Mammals. Diet: Carnivore. Size: Head and body: 5 to 12 inches; tail: 1 to 2 inches.

Weight: 14 to 39 ounces. Size relative to a teacup:. Scientists believe this may help hedgehogs hide their scent from predators, or give them a nasty shock shock should they attack! There are 15 different species of hedgehog , found across Europe, Asia and Africa. Whilst these cool creatures mainly stay on the ground, they are quite good swimmers and can climb trees, too!

While you wait for it to be checked and approved why not to add a pre-selected message and a cool badge. Britain has hedgehogs too. I have one who comes every night to feed. Sometimes there is another one. Ask a parent or guardian to check it out first and remember to stay safe online. See all. Hedgehog Facts! Picture credits Hedgehog on tree stump: Zorandim, Dreamstime. Hedgehog on grass: Creativenature1, Dreamstime.

But how much do you know about these spiky mammals—other than how cute they look when getting a bath? But it doesn't come up much, since hedgehogs are solitary creatures who usually come together only to mate. The hedgie has gained some popularity as a pet—but some cities and states still qualify them as wild animals , which are not allowed to be kept domestically.

In some areas, like Maine, you need permits in order to own one. Other signature physical features that are associated with hedgehogs are tiny ears, tiny mouths, lengthy snouts and small tails that are shaped similarly to cylinders. They're equipped with between 36 and 44 teeth. The majority of hedgehogs have five digits on their individual feet. Certain hedgehogs from the genus Erinaceus only have four of them on their back feet, however.

While physical appearance awareness is undeniably beneficial for identifying these prickly creatures, lifestyle components can be helpful, too. Hedgehogs generally live by themselves, and some of them exhibit turf-oriented behaviors. They stay on terra firma and aren't tree dwellers. In the daytime, they usually remain tucked away under piles of foliage, stones or logs. Insects are the biggest elements of their feeding plans.