The classic, cuddly, endearing wild hedgehogs. They appear to be innocent and petite, but make one wrong move to intimidate them, and they can do more harm than good. Today, we will inform you about a European hedgehog’s bad, strong side.
One way these hedgehogs can be savage is if they’re being attacked by a predator, they’ll roll themself into a ball. That sounds more like a “flight” response, but they’re actually making sure the predator can’t devour them or attack them and inflict severe damage. For example, snakes might attempt to bombard the hedgehog, but they’ll get hurt in the end. One time, a hedgehog even chewed on a snake. Plus, when European hedgehogs roll up into a ball, it’s difficult for them to be consumed by predators due to their sharp, harsh spines. Predators, be warned: these hedgehogs are sharp!!
Another way European hedgehogs are tough is that they are able to swim and climb really well. Although they seem to be short, their legs are four inches long. This also helps them walk quickly and with long distance in order to scavenge for food at night. Speaking of their meals, hedgehogs actually devour beetles, worms, snails, wasps- basically anything high in protein. According to Rasmussen, she’s “even seen these hedgehogs attacking seagulls and pigeons.” This protein can help them be stronger, which can make them even more savage.
Lastly, European hedgehogs have more survival techniques. One of them is that they hibernate in the winter when their food source is scarce. After finding a dry, warm spot that provides protection, the hedgehog stops moving and slows down breathing. They reduce their heart beat from 190 beats per minute to 20 only. It will dig about in the soil to find a hibernating insect if it gets hungry. It also wakes up once a week to urinate, and this goes on until spring begins. Another way European hedgehogs protect themselves is by creating their own “perfume” by rubbing herbs and other materials on themselves. This helps them disguise their smell so that predators won’t sense them as easily.
To sum it up, European hedgehogs are fierce, strong, and intelligent creatures. They roll up into a ball to protect themselves with their spikes, and they can also climb and swim well. European hedgehogs have weird, but protein-filled diets, can cover their scent with herbs, poop, and other substances, and hibernate in the winter when the food supply is lessened. These hedgehogs, as I have said before, are innocent on the outside, but tough and strong on the inside. Hence, it’s best to leave them alone and not meddle with them.
Written by Kruti Patel
