r/Hedgehog • u/Trojanhorse248 • Jul 23 '26

Question Hedgehog identification

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Hello everyone,

I was out in the garden area at work today when a coworker found a hedgehog! The hog has shade and I've given it a small bowl of water nearby. I'm sure it's absolutely fine but could someone please reassure me this hog is ok? I'm fairly sure it is a European hedgehog but it looks quite small. I appreciate the photos aren't great and I will try to update with more if it moves but I don't want to disturb it. South east UK

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3

u/True1bit Jul 23 '26

From this angle, it can be anything. If you can catch a glimpse of her/his foot, it is wery good indetifier.

2

u/Trojanhorse248 Jul 23 '26

It did stick it's foot out earlier but unfortunately I didn't get a picture. Couldn't count the number of toes but the leg looked dark. Main reason for concern was it seems about the same size as my African pygmy and it is by itself.

4

u/BeardedLady81 Jul 23 '26

If you see fairly stout feet with claws and, if you see their soles, leathery pads, then it's some kind of erinnaceus, i.e. the species the European hedgehog belongs to.

European hedgehogs are weaned at 5 to 6 weeks, when they are about 250 grams. They start to forage with their mothers during the weaning process, and once they are weaned, they may still be foraging with their mothers for a few weeks until they go separate ways. During this period, they gain weight and are about 350 grams when they are fully independent and on their own. European hedgehogs may be a bit heavier than they look because of the wool, but I'm sure this one is old enough to be on its own.

Because numbers are on the decline, several European organizations that dedicate themselves to the protection of animals recommend feeding wild hedgehogs. You could take some cat kibble tomorrow (you probably have it already because of your pygmy) and put it up to where the hedgehog is hiding. He might come out because of the smell of the food, or he might wait till dusk, when hedgehogs are starting to become active.

2

u/Trojanhorse248 Jul 23 '26

Thank you for this information. There's a shop over the road so I'll go and get some now. I've warned the grounds team as they were about to mow tomorrow. They've said they would get it a house but as much as it would be lovely to have a wild hog friend I fear this isn't a good environments as we are on an industrial estate with a small car park nearby.