8 Little Known Facts About Hedgehogs

Lactose Intolerance

Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot digest milk properly. Instead, they thrive on a diet of meaty cat or dog food supplemented with water. 

Nocturnal Behavior

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

Hibernation

Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy when food is scarce. They enter a state of dormancy in a sheltered spot, lowering their body temperature.

Baby Hedgehogs

A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet. Historically, hedgehogs were also referred to as "urchins," a term now more commonly associated with sea creatures.

Spines and Tail

Hedgehogs have between 5000 and 7000 spines on their backs, which they use for defense by curling into a tight ball.

Group Name

A group of hedgehogs is called an array. Although solitary creatures, hedgehogs might gather in small groups occasionally, especially during mating season.

Nightly Travels

Despite their small size, hedgehogs can travel over two miles in a single night. This activity is essential for their survival as they search for food such as insects, worms, and berries.

Sense of Smell

Hedgehogs have a keen sense of smell, which they rely on for hunting food. Their long snout helps them root around in leaves and soil to find insects