Hedgehogs are named after their pig-like habit of rooting through the undergrowth for food. They are quite noisy and can be heard snuffling and grunting during their activities.

The hedgehog is Britain's only spiny mammal. The upper parts of the head and body are covered in short, yellow-tipped spines - adults may have up to 5000 spines. The rest of the body is covered with brown fur, and the hedgehog has a short tail.

In summer, hedgehogs shelter during the day in temporary nests of leaves, moss and grass. By autumn, hedgehogs have dramatically put on weight in preparation for their hibernation, which lasts until spring. Their hibernation nests are typically situated under hedgerows.

Hedgehogs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in Britain, and may not be trapped without a licence.
Hedgehogs are often killed by manmade influences, such as in ponds, bonfires, on roads, by strimmers and lawnmowers, pesticides, garden netting and litter. They are also killed by foxes, pine martens, stoats and badgers.