
©Tom Marshall
European hedgehog
Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus
A gardener's best friend, the European hedgehog will happily hoover up those pesky slugs. Famously covered in spines, this small insectivore mostly comes out at night and hibernates over winter.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 15-30cmTail: 1-2cm
Weight: up to 2kg
Average lifespan: 2-3 years
Conservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.