Facts about Hedgehogs

1. 08

   During mating season, male hedgehogs can spend up to 30 hours circling a female while making loud snuffling vocalizations to attract her attention.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharereproductionbehaviorcommunication
2. 07

   Most hedgehog species possess excellent hearing and can detect frequencies up to 45 kilohertz, allowing them to locate prey moving underground.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebiologysensoryadaptation
3. 06

   Sonic the hedgehog was inspired by real hedgehogs' ability to curl into nearly impenetrable balls, a defense mechanism that protects their vulnerable undersides.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebehaviordefensebiology
4. 05

   Hedgehogs enter a hibernation-like state called torpor during winter months, lowering their body temperature to match their surroundings and reducing metabolic activity by up to 95 percent.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebiologysurvivalphysiology
5. 04

   A hedgehog's heart beats approximately 180 times per minute at rest, which is roughly three times faster than a human's resting heart rate.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebiologymeasurementphysiology
6. 03

   European hedgehogs can run up to 2 meters per second and travel several kilometers nightly while foraging for insects, earthworms, and small vertebrates.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebehaviorlocomotionmeasurement
7. 02

   African pygmy hedgehogs weigh only 150 to 600 grams at maturity, making them the smallest hedgehog species in existence.

   HedgehogsMay 14sharebiologymeasurementspecies
8. 01

   Between 5,000 and 7,000 spines cover a typical hedgehog's body, which it can raise when threatened using specialized muscles.

   HedgehogsMay 13sharebiologymeasurementdefense