National Hedgehog Day - 2nd February

What unique role did hedgehogs play in ancient Egyptian medicine?

Hedgehogs appeared in ancient Egyptian remedies for ailments like baldness.

Physicians would roast hedgehog spines and mix them with oil to create a medicinal ointment. Hedgehogs were also considered symbols of regeneration due to their hibernation cycles.

How do gardeners celebrate hedgehogs?

Gardeners celebrate Hedgehog Day by creating “hog-friendly” spaces.

They cut small holes in fences, provide water bowls, and leave out food like wet cat food or cat kibble. These actions help hedgehogs thrive.

Are there any myths about hedgehogs carrying food on their spines?

Yes! A common European myth suggests hedgehogs carry apples on their spines for storage.

This is biologically impossible, as hedgehog spines are rigid and cannot hold objects. The myth likely arose from observing hedgehogs rolling through leaf piles.

Why are hedgehogs featured in ancient lunar folklore?

Some cultures associate hedgehogs with lunar cycles. In Slavic mythology, hedgehogs were thought to protect the moon by rolling it to safety when threatened by demons.

This reflects their perceived resilience and nocturnal habits.

How do children’s books contribute to hedgehog conservation awareness?

Books like The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter highlight hedgehogs’ charm.

These stories inspire conservation efforts, especially among young readers, who often create hedgehog habitats after reading such tales.

What adaptations make hedgehogs successful in diverse environments?

Hedgehogs thrive in deserts, forests, and urban areas.

Their diet versatility—eating insects, fruit, and small vertebrates—and spiny defense system make them highly adaptable across habitats.

What’s a lesser-known way hedgehogs communicate?

Hedgehogs use a unique combination of snorts, huffs, and grunts to communicate.

These sounds help them interact during courtship or when defending their territory. Their vocal range surprises many people.

Can a hedgehog’s spines predict its mood?

Yes, the position of a hedgehog’s spines reflects its mood. Raised spines signal fear or aggression, while flattened spines indicate relaxation. 

National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern ‘Groundhog Day’. While groundhogs are native to North America, various animals have been used in Europe to help predict the end of winter and the coming of spring, including the hedgehog.

The Ancient Roman tradition passed down into other European folklore, in particular in Ireland. If a hedgehog was seen at the start of February it was thought to be a sign of good weather and a promise of warmer days, whereas a no-show from hedgehogs meant winter was sure to continue for several more weeks.

In hindsight, this may not have been an especially reliable method of weather forecasting, especially given that hedgehogs tend to hibernate from November through to the middle of March!

They do however emerge from hibernation periodically during these months to change nesting sites, so any ancient weather watchers most likely spotted hedgehogs simply going elsewhere to carry on hibernating.

In fact, hibernating is a risky business for these animals. Sadly, up to around two-thirds of hedgehogs won’t make it through their first winter, especially if food has been scarce.

Their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate drops dramatically (to as little as two beats per minute), and it’s vital that they stock up on enough food before winter to keep them going until spring.