Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals in the family Erinaceidae, known for their spines and habit of rolling into a ball when threatened.

Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals in the family Erinaceidae, native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are nocturnal insectivores that curl into a ball for defence.

What it is

Hedgehogs have a pointed snout and a back covered in spines made of modified hair. When threatened, they roll into a tight ball, protecting their face and belly. They are not native to North America; pet hedgehogs in Canada are typically African pygmy hedgehogs kept in captivity.

Key details

Wild hedgehogs eat mainly invertebrates like worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, and millipedes, and may also take fruit, eggs, or carrion. They are mostly nocturnal and live in gardens, grasslands, and woodlands. Some species hibernate or enter torpor in cold climates. A group is called an array.

Why it matters in Canada

Hedgehogs are not native to Canada, so they are of interest mainly as exotic pets. Legal ownership depends on provincial and municipal rules, which vary. There is no single nationwide rule, so local exotic-pet and import laws must be checked before getting one.