Facts About Insectivores

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, which means that they usually sleep during the day and are most active at night.

The average male hedgehog has approximately 5000 spines on its back. These are used to protect the animal from predators and they form an especially effective shield when the hedgehog curls up into a ball, to protect its delicate underside.

Most hedgehogs in Britain will hibernate from November to March.

It is estimated that about a fifth of the UK hedgehog population is dying out every four years, although no-one is certain about the cause.  By 2025 these creatures could be gone from mainland Great Britain.