These small spiny animals are found in the wild in Europe, Asia and Africa, but are not native to Australia or North America. There are 16 species of hedgehog and all belong to the family Erinaceidae. They have been around for about 15 million years but the name hedgehog in these terms is a relatively recent event stemming from around 1450 in Britain. The name is a pretty accurate reflection of the creature as they frequent hedges and undergrowth and make a squeaking or grunting noise like a pig. A pair of old bellows may be a more apt description!
Being nocturnal makes them something of a curiosity to us humans. Rarely seen in the daytime they hunt for food by night which consists of insects, snails, earthworms and small frogs or toads. However, the hedgehog is something of a natural vacuum cleaner in that it will also clean up carrion, mushrooms and birds eggs. Often dog food is put down for them in gardens to help to supplement their natural diet.
The spines are actually hairs, and their natural defence of rolling into a ball maximises the effect that the sharp spines have. Sadly this reaction can also be their downfall should they venture onto busy roads. Hedgehogs have few natural predators with owls and ferrets the most common. Humans have eaten them in the past and in some areas this is still the case. Should they avoid the pitfalls of modern life then 4 to 7 years is the life expectancy of these creatures.
Another claim to fame is the act of hibernating. This usually takes place from November to March. However, this is not true of all species and abundancy of food and a temperate climate may mean that hibernation is passed on all together.
So with hibernation time almost upon us why not add a hedgehog to your dolls house scene?