Hedgehog

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), is a hedgehog species found throughout the Palaearctic region, except in the Himalayas and North Africa. It is not commonly found above 60°N in latitude, except for Norway, Finland, Estonia, Sweden and the Northwestern-most parts of Russia. This hedgehog is about 20 to 30 cm in length. Adult mass can range from 600 to 700 g after hibernation up to 1100 or 1200 g prior to hibernation; occasionally, they may reach as high as 1600 g. Males tend to be slightly longer and heavier than females. The European Hedgehog lives in woodland, farmland, and suburban areas. It is nocturnal, and if alarmed will roll itself into a ball, protecting itself against potential predators with its spines. Unlike the smaller, warmer climate species, the European Hedgehog may hibernate in the winter. It is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates, but preferring slugs, earthworms, beetles and other insects. The preferred arthropods are the millipedes Glomeris marginata and Tachypodoiulus niger as well as the ground beetle Carabus nemoralis. It is also known to eat frogs, small rodents, young birds and birds' eggs.

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