Hedgehog Fun Facts for Kids: Spiky, Sleepy, and Surprisingly Sweet!
- spencer655
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Hedgehogs might be small, but they’re full of big surprises! With their tiny noses, prickly backs, and adorable waddle, these creatures are favorites for animal lovers and classrooms alike.
Here are our top fun, weird, and wild facts about hedgehogs!
What are 10 fun facts about hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs aren’t rodents—they’re insectivores!
They belong to their own special family called Erinaceidae.
They can have over 5,000 quills on their back.
Each quill is a stiff, hollow hair used for protection—not for poking people.
When scared, they roll into a ball.
This hides their soft belly and turns them into a spiky fortress.
Hedgehogs can hibernate.
In colder climates, they sleep through winter curled in a nest of leaves.
They’re surprisingly fast runners.
Despite the slow stereotype, they can sprint when they need to!
Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell.
They sniff out bugs, worms, and snacks with their pointy nose.
They self-anoint with spit.
Yep—it’s weird! When they smell something new, they lick it, foam at the mouth, and spread it on their quills.
They make little grunts and snuffles.
Listen closely, and you’ll hear their funny pig-like noises.
There are 17 different species of hedgehog.
From Europe to Africa to Asia—hedgehogs live across the world.
Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets.
And yes, they’re as cute as they sound.
What is a hedgehog known for?
Hedgehogs are best known for their sharp quills and their ability to curl into a ball for protection. They’re also famous for being shy, nocturnal, and excellent garden guests—eating pests like slugs and beetles. In many cultures, hedgehogs are symbols of good luck and cleverness.
What food do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are omnivores, but they mostly love insects. A wild hedgehog’s menu includes:
Beetles and caterpillars
Earthworms and snails
Fruits like apples and berries
Occasionally bird eggs or small frogs
Pet hedgehogs eat special kibble with added protein and fiber. But no milk, no bread, and no chocolate! Their tummies are delicate.
Is a hedgehog a porcupine?
Nope! Hedgehogs and porcupines aren’t related.
Hedgehogs are small, insect-eating mammals with short quills.
Porcupines are large, plant-eating rodents with long, barbed quills.
Also: porcupines can’t roll into a ball like hedgehogs do!
Do hedgehog quills have venom?
No, hedgehog quills are not venomous.
Unlike some snakes or spiders, hedgehogs don’t inject venom with their quills. Their quills are harmless unless you poke yourself hard—they don’t break skin easily.
However, there is a rare African species called the African crested rat that coats its fur with plant-based poison… but that’s a whole other animal!
Where do hedgehogs live?
Hedgehogs are found across:
Europe (European hedgehog)
Africa (Four-toed and Algerian hedgehogs)
Asia (Long-eared hedgehog, Indian hedgehog)
They make homes in:
Gardens and hedgerows
Woodlands and meadows
Desert edges and rocky terrain
They build cozy nests out of leaves and grass for sleeping during the day.
How long do hedgehogs live?
In the wild, hedgehogs live 3 to 7 years depending on species and predators.
Pet hedgehogs (like the African pygmy hedgehog) can live up to 8 years with proper care.
