Not so long ago we had to deal with only one species of this animal. Currently, however, we already distinguish two - the eastern and the western. The body length of this spiny western individual is about 35 centimeters and its weight varies from 400 grams up to 2 kilograms.
Coloring Book Hedgehog
Information
On top of its body is covered with spines that have a striped coloration. Young specimens have spines that are still soft in texture but harden over time, giving the animal a natural defense against various types of danger.
A female of the western species is able to give birth to two litters of up to 7 young per year. The pregnancy lasts about 2 months and the first litter can be expected in June. The young are born blind and deaf. After about 2 weeks from birth the young slowly open their eyes and after about 6 weeks they gain weight up to 700 grams and become independent.
In most gardens, backyards in the evening time we can meet wandering animal. We can think how we can help it to have its hiding place during the day and a shelter from the frost during winter. We can build a small house from the bricks left after the construction or from the small wooden box lined inside with leaves or hay, which will be a perfect insulator of heat and will help the animal to survive for years to come.
Trivia
- Spikes: Hedgehogs have about 5000-7000 spines on their backs. These spines are actually keratin-filled hairs.
- Curl up in a ball: When the hedgehog feels threatened, it curls up to protect its vulnerable body parts, and the spines provide an excellent defense against predators.
- Life expectancy: The average lifespan of a hedgehog in captivity is about 5-7 years, although some can live longer. In the wild, they live shorter lives due to threats such as predation and disease.
- Nocturnal: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning that they are mainly active at night.
- Loners: They are solitary and territorial animals, which means that they usually do not tolerate the presence of other hedgehogs in their territory.
- Diet: Hedgehogs are insectivorous, meaning that their diet consists mainly of insects. However, they can also eat fruits, seeds and small animals.
- Winterizing: In some regions, hedgehogs go into winter sleep during the colder months.
- Senses: Hedgehogs have poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and smell.
- Moving: Despite their seemingly bulky build, hedgehogs are quite fast and can swim.
- Reproduction: A female gives birth to 1 to 7 young (though usually 4-5) after about 35-58 days of gestation. Young hedgehogs are born without spines, but begin to develop them within a few days.