How Many Years Can a Hedgehog Live? Understanding the Hedgehog's Lifespan in One Article
Except for its belly, a hedgehog's entire body is covered in stiff spines, but it has a gentle temperament and is small and cute, and it is being loved by more and more people. However, wild hedgehogs are currently becoming fewer and fewer, and their lifespans are relatively short, so how long is a hedgehog's lifespan?
1. How long is a hedgehog's lifespan?
A hedgehog's lifespan is generally 4 to 7 years, and can reach about 10 years at most. As a pet hedgehog, the lifespan may be slightly shorter. According to records, there was once a hedgehog that lived as long as 16 years.
2. 90% of baby hedgehogs do not live to one year
Hedgehogs begin breeding around April each year, producing 1 to 2 litters per year, with 3 to 6 young per litter. Every year in spring after hibernation ends, hedgehogs look for a mate. Before the hedgehog accepts courtship, the male hedgehog has to spend several hours around it, after which the mission is accomplished.
After mating is completed, the female hedgehog looks for a safe and quiet place as a nest. The hair on the back of the newborn young is sparse and soft, and they have no vision for two weeks before and after birth. After a few days it gradually hardens into spines. After being fed breast milk for 4-8 weeks, the mother hedgehog teaches them how to forage.
Two months after the baby hedgehogs are born, the mother hedgehog stops caring for the young hedgehogs and leaves them to live on their own. About 90% of hedgehogs have very short lifespans, less than one year.
3. The hedgehog's living habits
1. Hedgehogs widely inhabit mountain forests, plains and grasslands, crop fields, shrub thickets and grassy areas, with the most found in plains and hilly shrub and grass areas. Most hedgehog nests are in low-lying areas or valleys, at tree roots, rock crevices and under residents' walls. The nests are lined with leaves, dry grass, moss and other materials.
2. Hedgehogs are timid and afraid of light, and like quiet environments. During the day they generally sleep inside their burrows, and only come out at night to move around.
3. Hedgehogs can climb trees and also swim, and can safely cross small rivers.
4. Hedgehogs are insectivorous animals, eating earthworms, insects, snails, frogs, small snakes, lizards and mice, and also eating plant roots, stems, fruits and so on. They are especially fond of eating cockroaches, and can also swallow poisonous moths. They also have strong resistance to vipers and can swallow small snakes.
Most hedgehogs have very short lives, and as urbanization accelerates, wild hedgehogs are becoming fewer and fewer. If you encounter a hedgehog, it is best to do your modest part to protect them.