Similar species. Gestation is 31 to 35 days. Native to these areas, it occurs from the Azores Archipelago as far to the east as Kazakhstan and is commonly seen across northern Europe, up to Scandinavia. Distinguishing Features - Weight: 800 - 1200 g; Length: 135 - 265 cm; with males are slightly larger than females. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), also known as the West European hedgehog or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in Europe, from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia.It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. Home › Animals › Mammals › Hedgehogs › European hedgehog The ancestors of modern hedgehogs lived in Asia some 25 million years ago, towards the end of the Palaeogene; their descendants are thought to have spread across Europe, Africa and into North America. Hedgehogs do not reach the same weight in New Zealand as in colder parts of Europe. [36][37] Historic data from the National Gamebag Census suggest a steady decline between 1960 and 1980. [30], An estimate of 36.5 million by Burton[31] was based on extrapolating up from a density of 2.5 animals/ha (one per acre), but this was based on limited data and is probably an overestimate. The name of the hedgehog is due to its peculiar foraging habits: rooting through hedges and similar undergrowth in search of its favorite food, making pig-like grunts as it goes. [15][16][17] On the Swedish island of Gotland the golden eagle may take larger numbers of hedgehogs than any other prey due to an otherwise low diversity of native land mammals, although the introduction of European rabbits has shifted the eagle's prey preferences there. A more recent estimate of 1,550,000 in Great Britain[32] (England 1,100,000, Scotland 310,000, Wales 140,000) is more reliable, but still has a high degree of uncertainty as it is based on very limited information about hedgehog density estimates for different habitat types. Approximately five years. The preferred arthropods are the millipedes Glomeris marginata and Tachypodoiulus niger as well as the ground beetle Carabus nemoralis. With its milder winters, New Zealand hedgehogs hibernate for only three months of the year so do not need to put on so much weight in autumn as their ancestors. The European hedgehog is omnivorous, feeding mainly on invertebrates. European Hedgehog Description. However, most of them have a rather elongated and narrow snout. There are 15 different species of hedgehog, found across Europe, Asia and Africa. Though not generally found south of the Mediterranean Sea, it has been seen in Lebanon. Description: Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) English: Young European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in northern and western Europe. Length of head and body is ~160 mm (6.3 in) at weaning, increasing to 260 mm (10 in) or more in large adults. Description The hedgehog is easily recognized as it is the only British mammal to have spines They have short tails, long legs and small ears. 598. The hedgehog was named because of its peculiar foraging methods. These white spines are replaced with darker ones after about 1.5 days. European Hedgehog. Hedgehog, (subfamily Erinaceinae), any of 15 Old World species of insectivores possessing several thousand short, smooth spines. (2005). European Hedgehog Wikipedia article -, 2. Game Conservancy Ltd. WildlifeOnline Natural History of the European Hedgehog, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=European_hedgehog&oldid=1017111278, Articles with dead external links from February 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2014, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, From the early 1950s until the 1980s, the hedgehog was sometimes seen as an unofficial symbol of, This page was last edited on 10 April 2021, at 21:53. By the 1950s, hedgehogs could be found over the whole country with the exception of the coldest wettest corner of the South Island and alpine areas of permanent snow. Description. For the fictional character, see Sonic the Hedgehog. ; Amori, G.; Bogdanowicz, W.; Krystufek, B.; Reijnders, P.J.H. European Hedgehog. Depending on the species, Hedgehogs generally weigh b… After 2 to 3 weeks, pigmented adult spines replace this second coat of spines, and around this time the young start to open their eyes and can learn how to roll up into a ball. The first and fifth toes are smaller and weaker than the second, third, and fourth toes. Present also on Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Sicily), on most of the French Atlantic islands as well as on British Islands (autochthonous and introduced). Their dark droppings are roughly cylindrical, 15-50 millimetres long and often packed with insect exoskeletons. (2001). On their underside, hedgehogs have coarse, grey-brown fur. The males emerge first, 3 to 4 weeks prior to the females, and will expand their home range in the mating season to increase their chances of finding a female to mate with. Eurasian eagle-owls (Bubo bubo) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are the only regular avian predators of this species and may even prefer them as prey. According to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species resource, the best estimate is under a million hedgehogs in the UK. When foraging, hedgehogs rely primarily on their senses of smell and hearing because they have weak eyesight, though their eyes are good for night-time vision. Bright, P., George, L. and Balmforth, Z. Studies have indicated that litter size may increase in more northern climes. Leditznig, C., Leditznig, W., & Gossow, H. (2001). [43], This species has become a serious pest in areas where it has been introduced outside of its native range. The European hedgehog can survive in various environments such as grassland, woodlands, meadows, vineyards and more. Appearance The young are weaned by the age of 4 to 6 weeks, and then become independent of their parents, being able to mate around the age of 1 year. European hedgehog (E. europaeus). 2005). It has over 50 light to dark colored spines and a light colored stomach. Unlike the smaller, warmer-climate species, the European hedgehog may hibernate in the winter. Conservationists are less happy as hedgehogs compete for invertebrate food with native bush birds and prey on some rare insects, lizards and ground-nesting birds. [13] In Spain, reduction of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) numbers due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease has made the European hedgehog one of the top preferred prey species for eagle-owls. They are neither barbed nor poisonous. In Denmark[28] and Poland,[29] hedgehogs are protected by law. In some areas, they are common victims of road kills and may be hunted by dogs, such as in Sardinia. [citation needed]. The spines are hollow modified hairs, which grow from papillae in skin follicles and reach about 2.5 cm (1 in.) By the time they are 36 hours old, the second, outer coat of spines begins to sprout. Distribution. Whilst these cool creatures mainly stay on the ground, they are quite good swimmers and can climb trees, too! These animals root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of the small creatures that … Only their faces, legs, and underbellies lack spines. European Hedgehogs are they only spiny mammal found in Great Britain. European hedgehogs may live to ten years of age, although the average life expectancy is three years. Most species weigh under 700 grams (1.5 pounds), but the common western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can grow to 1,100 grams.Body length is 14 to 30 cm (5.5 to 12 inches), and there is a stumpy and sparsely furred tail measuring 1 to 6 cm. Picture credits Hedgehog on tree stump: Zorandim, Dreamstime. Reproduction Structurally, spines are composed of numerous transparent tubes arranged vertically that, as Les Stocker notes in his Complete Hedgehog, produces a lateral cross-section remini… It has between 5000-7000 spines on its back.There are hedgehogs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand.When attacked or threatened, it curls up. The second, third and fourth toes are the same length with strong claws, while the first and fifth toes are smaller with smaller claws. Other hedgehog species occur in eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, but none in Australia or the Americas, although the Western European species was introduced into New Zealand in the 1870s. Description. Captions. Life span. Prefer dry well drained sites for nests. In northern New Zealand, many hedgehogs do not hibernate at all. They are extremely rare, except on North Ronaldsay and the Channel Island of Alderney where around 25% of the population is thought to be blonde. While this species has been little studied in Ireland, road kill surveys would indicate that it is widespread throughout the country. [33] This concluded that, at a conservative estimate, 25% of the British hedgehog population had been lost in a decade. European Hedgehog has a generalized body construction with unspecialized limb girdles. [14] Elsewhere, eagle-owls often prefer these hedgehogs to any other prey species, as the hedgehog can comprise up to 23% by number and 30.7% by biomass of eagle-owl prey remains. A large portion of these may be from hedgehog carcasses, especially road-kill. Size Body length: 15-30 cm, Weight: 1.5-2 kg. One such location is the Western Isles of Scotland, where introduced hedgehogs eat the eggs of ground-nesting waders such as common snipe, dunlin, common redshank and northern lapwing. Its characteristic spines are not barbed or poisonous, but are thick, hollow hairs which act as a defense when a hedgehog rolls up a tight ball. It prefers lowlands and hills up to 400–600m, but is also locally present on mountains, exceptionally up to an altitude of 1500-2000m (e.g. MATERIALS AND METHODS A dead hedgehog was found on the road from Marina di Mare to Marina di Campo (Marciana district) on Elba Island (Mediterranean Sea, Italy, 10°14'N, 42°45'E) in January 2002. Since then, roadkill counts have fallen dramatically from about 50/100 km to less than 1/100 km. We report here the original description of these specimens. Unlike the smaller, warmer-climate species, the European Hedgehog may hibernate in the winter. They key physical difference between these two species is that E. concolor has a white spot on its chest.This makes it difficult to identify this species from afar. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), also known as the West European hedgehog or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in Europe, from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia. There are 15 different species of hedgehog, found across Europe, Asia and Africa. The Western European hedgehog is the only species of hedgehog found in Ireland and, as its name suggests, it is found in west and central Europe. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), also known as the West European hedgehog or common hedgehog, is a species of hedgehog found in western Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula and Italy northwards into Scandinavia.It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. The hedgehog is a good example of an animal that hibernates. 1, JNCC/Tracking Mammals Partnership, Peterborough. A report by the Tracking Mammals Partnership No. The European hedgehog is a small, round animal with short legs that raise it about 1 inch above the ground. In Hedgehogs, Reeve describes the hedgehog’s diet as “catholic and flexible”, explaining that: “In the two European species [europaeus and concolor], all relevant studies have revealed a dynamic, constantly changing balance of prey in the diet”. The hedgehog is a squat, rounded creature with five-toed, well padded feet. Dickman, C. R. (1988). [5], Generally, the hedgehog is widely distributed and can be found in good numbers where people are tolerant of their residence in gardens. Hegehogs gather sticks and leaves to make a nest for peparation before hibernation. These creatures measure between 8 and 10 inches long. Pregnancies peak between May and July, though they have been recorded as late as September. The hedgehogs then lick their spines, spreading the saliva with the plant”s poison all over the spikes. European hedgehogs are polygynandrous, males and females having multiple mates each season (promiscuous). The most common pet species of hedgehog are hybrids of the white-bellied hedgehog or four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the North African hedgehog (A. algirus). Mating starts when they emerge in April from hibernation and continues until September. They are covered in small brown spines that have a pale coloured tip and their underside and face is covered in brown fur. The range includes woodland, grasslands such as meadows and pasture, arable land, orchards and vineyards as well as within the matrix of habitat types found in human settlements. [41] The report also highlighted the importance of long-term monitoring to provide datasets with sufficient power to allow the changes to the population to be identified. European Hedgehog Diet Hegehogs are insectavors which means they eat insects. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, non-territorial and predominantly solitary. By rolling up into a tight ball and erecting their spines, hedgehogs can protect themselves from most natu… The young may whistle and squeak while in the nest. European hedgehogs are omnivores, but feed mostly on insects. "Alderney Spike Girls" is their nickname and although they appear elsewhere within their range, this is very rare. Length of head and body is ~160 mm (6.3 in) at weaning, rising to 260 mm (10 in) or more in giant adults. [7] Adult summer weight is typically somewhat less than in autumn, with an average of around 800 g (1.8 lb) and adult weights commonly as low as 500 g (1.1 lb). UK Mammals: Species Status and Population Trends. As with all hedgehogs, the European hedgehog has the interesting habit of 'self-anointing', where it produces foamy saliva in large amounts and licks this over its spines. (Image credit: Matej Ziak, Shutterstock) Offspring. Hedgehogs prefer habitats that provide cover like hedgerows, shrub borders in suburban gardens, and leaf litter. The European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of the UK's best loved mammals, but they are in trouble. European hedgehog is common and abundant throughout its wide range, but no overall population estimate is available. Animals found their first homes in the South Island, where their spread was helped by guards dropping them off at country railway stations. Battersby, J. Hedgehogs are small mammals that live in the wild in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Weight increases from around 120 g (4.2 oz) at weaning to > 1,100 g (2.4 lb) in adulthood. Alps and Pyrenees). Threats to European hedgehogs today include agricultural change such as the loss of hedgerows and grasslands, and pesticide use, and falling into cattle grids, drowning in garden ponds, road deaths, poisoning with garden chemicals, and being killed by mowing machines. Hedgehogs are our only spiny mammal and are immediately recognisable. However, most wake at least once to move their nests. They can run fairly quickly, are good swimmers, and are well known to roll into a tight ball as a defense. There are about one million West European hedgehogs living in the UK. Weight increases from around 1… [5] Length of head and body is ~160 mm (6.3 in) at weaning, increasing to 260 mm (10 in) or more in large adults. This type of hedgehogs is also known as common hedgehogs. (2009). European hedgehog in maple leaves. [21] Few survived the ca 50–100 days voyage,[21][22] but those that did had lost all their fleas. Roos, S., Johnston, A. and Noble, D. (2012) UK hedgehog datasets and their potential for long-term monitoring. Tjernberg, M. (1981). A study of the current status of the hedgehog (. European Hedgehog Statistics. Antonio Martínez, J., & Zuberogoitia, I. European hedgehog - Wikipedia Tags european hedgehogs hedgehog common erinaceus europaeus erinaceus e. europaeus erinaceus sp ferney-voltaire pays de gex europski jež tamnoprsi jež hérisson européen hérisson hérissons jura jura mountain range france geneva lake valley On the channel island of Alderney about 1,000 European hedgehogs exhibit a rare recessive gene, giving them blonde spines as well as beady black eyes. Physical Description. Where it co-exists with the northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), the two species are difficult to distinguish in the field, the latter having a white spot on its chest. Currently, the most important monitoring programmes involved in collecting information about the status of the British hedgehog population are PTES’ Mammals on Roads and Living with Mammals surveys, and the BTO Breeding Bird Survey and Garden BirdWatch survey. Hedgehogs tend to avoid thick forests, although they will use forest edge habitat. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Animal photos available for quick and easy download. [25] They are generally scarce in areas of coniferous woodland, marshes and moorland, probably because of a lack of suitable sites and materials for the construction of winter nests (or hibernacula), which have specific requirements. Occasionally a male and female may share a hibernating spot. The skin is covered with about 3,500 spines by the time the animal is weaned and leaves the nest – an adult can have as many as 7,000 spines. 24 hours after birth the spines of the young are revealed, and within 2 to 3 days their muscles are strong enough for them to hold their spines erect. However, most wake at least once to move their nests. [6] Weight increases from around 120 g (4.2 oz) at weaning to > 1,100 g (2.4 lb) in adulthood. Its diet includes slugs, earthworms, beetles, caterpillars and other insects. Weaning occurs at four to six weeks of age. Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, 1. Its front paws are powerful and used or digging, an their back paws are longer and skinnier for running. It is plantigrade and has 5 well developed pads and claws on each foot. In winter they hibernate in a nest of leaves, usually under log piles or sheds. Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S. and Yalden, D. (1995) A review of British mammals: population estimates and conservation status of British mammals other than cetaceans. Hedgehog (Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus) wild, native, European hedgehog in natural woodland habitat, with green moss and Autumn leaves. Game Heritage. The animal appears brownish with most of its body covered by up to 6,000 brown and white spines. The European hedgehog is amongst the most instantly recognizable of native mammals. [12] Some fruits and mushrooms may supplement their diet. These animals are not particularly noisy, making mostly grunts, snorts, and hoarse squeaks. [42] A recent review of these surveys now suggests that rural populations have declined by at least a half and urban populations by up to a third since 2000. Description: This species is largely nocturnal. The hind feet are slightly longer but the same width as the forefeet. Its common name, The European Hedgehog, identifies where it lives right in the name. in length. One of New Zealand's pioneer hedgehogs probably had faulty teeth for this feature is found in about 50% of today's animals. Summary. Hedgehog … They are solitary in nature with mature males behaving aggressively towards each other. They root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of their favourite food – small creatures such as insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes. The animal appears brownish with most of its body covered by up to 6,000 brown and white spines. [4] The animal appears brownish with most of its body covered by up to 6,000 brown and white spines. Erinaceus europaeus has a generalised body structure with unspecialised limb girdles. European hedgehogs are polygynandrous, males and females having multiple mates each season (promiscuous). Hedgehog dietary components from three studies of populations in Britain and Europe. They can go as far as one to two kilometers in a night when foraging for food. Description. It is also considered a pest in New Zealand where it preys upon various native fauna.[44]. When they are very stressed or sick, their quills can fall off, too. [2] According to the Guinness Book of World Records, E. europaeus is probably the largest species of hedgehog and is possibly the heaviest member of the order Erinaceomorpha, although the moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura), similar in average mass if not known to equal the hedgehog's maximum weight, can attain a considerably greater length.[9]. Hedgehogs are native to Western Europe and have been introduced to New Zealand and to island groups within their native range where they did not naturally occur. From the edge of their faces on, their bodies have short spines across the surface of their skin. European hedgehog (English), western European hedgehog (English), brown-breasted hedgehog (English), igel (German), igelkott (Swedish), herisson (French), riccio (Italian), erizo (Spanish), Europäischer Igel (German) Synonym. [24] Outside cultivated land it prefers marginal zones of forests, particularly ecotonal grass and scrub vegetation. Remains of hedgehogs have been found in the stomachs of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), European badgers (Meles meles) and pine martens (Martes martes). They have a body length between 22 and 27 cms (9 - 10.5 inches), a very small tail and they weigh between 0.9 and 1 Kgs (2 - 2.25 lbs). Currently European hedgehogs are classified as Least Concern (LC) and their numbers today remain stable. Summary . Most New Zealanders welcome hedgehogs in their gardens as they relish slugs and snails. From insides, hedgehogs spines are hollow and have a series of air chambers. Adults make these sounds during mating and feeding, and sometimes when captured. A report to PTES/JNCC. This species has an extremely short tail as an almost vestigal feature, typically 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.18 in). ; Spitzenberger, F.; Stubbe, M.; Thissen, J.B.M. Many potential predators are repelled by its spines, but predation does occur. [40], A review of the available survey data for the population trend of the hedgehog in Britain was undertaken by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) in a report commissioned by PTES and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). European Hedgehog Description and Habitat. Being omnivorous, eating a wide range of animals (especially insects), European hedgehogs may contribute to controlling insect pest populations in certain areas. They have round bodies and short legs. By 11 days they can roll into a ball. A hedgehog in a field of flowers Species Description: The European Hedgehog is a nocturnal mammal that lives in parts of Europe and New Zealand. This species has an extremely short tail as an almost vestigial feature, typically 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.18 in). The maximu… Usually, they are found in places such as Europe, Iberia, Italy and Scandinavia. [2], Erinaceus europaeus has a generalised body structure with unspecialised limb girdles. (1999). The most common pet hedgehog is the African pygmy hedgehog, made famous by many You Tube videos and recognisable by its white fur. The hedgehog is a squat, rounded creature with five-toed, well padded feet. Mammals on Roads survey, PTES: more information. By the 1920s they had become so numerous that game-bird hunters blamed them for reduced bag-sizes. [2] On 28 August 2007, the new Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) [launched in 1997] included the European hedgehog on the list of species and habitats in Britain that need conservation and greater protection.[26][27]. Starvation is the most common cause of death, usually occurring during hibernation. Erinaceus europaeus has a generalised body structure with unspecialised limb girdles. Such specimens are believed to have a pair of rare recessive genes, giving rise to their black eyes and creamy-colored spines; however, they are not strictly speaking albino. However, hedgehogs tend to be absent from areas where badgers are numerous. [23], The European hedgehog is found across a wide range of habitat types, encompassing both semi-natural vegetation types and those areas that have been heavily modified by man. The young are born blind with a covering of small spines. JNCC, Peterborough. This species has an extremely short tail as an almost vestigial feature, typically 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.18 in). Live liver digeneans were obtained from biliary ducts. [11] They are solitary in nature with mature males behaving aggressively towards each other. BTO Research Report No. To date, the IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern and currently the population as Stable. European hedgehog tracks and other signs Hedgehogs have distinct five-toed footprints with sharp claw marks, about 2.5 centimetres long and 2.8 centimetres wide. [38] Evidence from a questionnaire in 2005 and 2006 also supported an ongoing decline, with almost half of ~20,000 participants in PTES' Hogwatch survey[39] reporting the impression that there were fewer hedgehogs than there were five years earlier. It also lives in New Zealand, having been introduced there in the late 1800s. Diet of the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos during the breeding season in Sweden. [citation needed]. Hedgehogs were introduced to the North Island in the 1890s, but some were also transported from South Island between 1906 and 1911[21] and, from then on, their numbers increased at an exponential rate. Leucistic hedgehogs on the island of Alderney. Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T29650A2791303.en, "Independent introductions of hedgehogs to the North and South Island of New Zealand", "Immigrant ships to New Zealand, 1835-1910". They prefer beetles, earwigs, ants, bees, wasps, butterflies and moths, and will also eat snails, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, eggs, lizards, frogs, snakes, small rodents, and carrion. Mating starts when they emerge in April from hibernation and continues until September. Mitchell-Jones, A.J. Length of head and body is ~160 mm (6.3 in) at weaning, increasing to 260 mm (10 in) or more in large adults. European Hedgehog on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hedgehog, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/29650/0. [3] Given this figure, and more firmly established rates of decline,[33] it is now thought likely that there are fewer than a million hedgehogs in Great Britain. After it has collected enough leaves the hedgehog will run around in circles in the nest to create a wall that is 10cm high.When it gets cold enough, the hegehog will curl into a ball in the nest. Every hedgehog has around 7,000 spines, each 2-3 cm long and covering most of the hedgehogs body except the underneath. While populations are currently stable across much of its range, it is thought to be declining severely in Great Britain. They are also kept as pets in some parts of the world. Age-related dietary change in European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus. Hof, A.R. Hedgehogs eat insects, snails, frogs and toads, snakes, bird eggs, carrion, mushrooms, berries and melons. Hedgehogs only give birth once per year after a gestation of … Each hedgehog has about 7,000 spines, each 2-3cm in length, covering most of the animal’s body except underneath. (1996). (2005). [18], The European hedgehog is endemic to Europe (including European Russia), with a global distribution extending from the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula eastwards through much of western to central Europe, and from southern Fennoscandia and the northern Baltic to north-west Russia. ; Vohralik, V.; Zima, J. European hedgehogs are commonly found throughout Europe and central Asia. The female alone raises the litter which typically numbers between four and six, though can range from two to ten. Hedgehogs are known to eat large amounts of individual prey types meaning they can have significant impacts on small localised populations of prey items (Jones et al. Also known as Eranaceus concolor, the southern white-breasted hedgehog is very similar in several ways to European hedgehogs.In fact, for a long time it was thought that these two species were simply one species. Mammals on Roads: development and testing the use of road counts to monitor abundance (draft v. 9). The Hedgehog digs through hedges in search for its favorite food, and as they do that they make pig-like grunts, which gave them the name Hedgehog. [34], In 2007 the hedgehog was classified a Biodiversity Action Plan ‘priority’ species in Britain, largely in response to negative trends identified in national surveys such as Mammals on Roads survey,[35] run by People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), that found an annual decline in counts of road casualties of around 7% from 2001 to 2004. Download this European Hedgehog Caught In A Trap Intended For A Rodent Such As A Rat Sharpened Hedgehog Stuck In A Cage photo now. In Europe hedgehogs carry a large number of hedgehog fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei). The maximum recorded weight is 2000 g (4.4 lb), though few wild specimens exceed 1,600 g (3.5 lb) even in autumn. Hedgehogs were declared noxious animals and a bounty of one shilling a snout paid by regional authorities for several years. [6], E. europaeus is unlike any other creature across most of its range. [24], Hedgehogs are most abundant within the gardens, parks and amenity land close to or within human settlements. Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand from England, and now they are abundant throughout the country, but considered a threat to native wildlife. The European hedgehog grows up to 30 centimetres long and many people do not realise that they also have a tail, which is around 5 cm. The German paleontologist, Johann Andreas Wagner named the European Hedgehog, sometime near the 1840's. 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