Erinaceus europaeus
A hedgehog
A hedgehog. Photograph: Getty Christopher Thomas/Getty

Immortalised by Mrs Tiggywinkle, the hedgehog hit the headlines a few years ago when there was a controversial cull in the Western Isles. Scotland Natural Heritage caught and killed dozens of hedgehogs on North Uist in the summer of 2003, leading to outrage among some hedgehog enthusiasts and a rescue operation on a scale not seen since Dunkirk. The hedgehogs were introduced to the islands in the 1970s to kill garden pests, but started threatening ground nesting birds by eating their eggs.

Hedgehogs are Britain's only spiny animal. Adults have up to 5,000 spines and will curl into a ball when frightened. They eat slugs, snails, worms and insects.

Where they live

Pretty much everywhere in Britain, though they don't like wet areas, and mountains. Hedgerows, forest and farmland are good places to see them. And in cities - parks and cemeteries are perfect - and at the bottom of the garden.

Between November and March, hedgehogs hibernate in nests of leaves and grass. They have a bad habit of nesting in piles of logs and bonfires, so check before putting a match to the pyre on

November 5, or it may not be just Guy who burns ...

How to spot them

They start breeding in April and the young (hoglets) are born around June. During the mating process the male will circle the female, attracted by her smell.

Each night hedgehogs search for food and will travel between 2-3 kms from their home. To attract them to your garden leave out plates of cat food (not the fish-based ones). Don't give hedgehogs bread or milk, as it will give them an upset stomach.

Listen out for

When mating, the female makes a very loud puffing and snorting. The noise is so loud it can wake up households and will attract more male hedgehogs.

Did you know?

Hedgehogs are strong swimmers. And good climbers.

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Am I bovvered?