Each evening at least two hedgehogs come to visit and check for the reamins of birdseed and fat balls. The dogs get pretty frustrated that these visitors continue to smack so comfortably and do not seem to be overly bothered - thanks to a protective electric wire in between them! I love hedgehogs and we have supported many a young animal with cat food, so there was still a chance of enough fat on the ribs to sustain them during hibernation! It is the season to be extra careful when driving in the evening, because the animals tend to freeze or even curl up in the middle of the road when a car approaches. Unfortunately, there are many \\\"victims\\\" along the roadside already. So ... Please do not drive so fast - think of the Hedgehog!

The European Hedgehog(Erinaceus europaeus) Common hedgehog or just Hedgehog in the Anglophone parts of Europe, is a hedgehog species found in northern and western Europe. It is about 20 to 30 cm in length. Adult mass typically ranges from 600 (after hibernation) to up to 1,200 g (prior to hibernation); occasionally, it may reach as much as 1,600 g. Males tend to be slightly longer and heavier than females.

The European Hedgehog lives in woodland, farmland and suburban areas. It is nocturnal, and if alarmed will roll itself into a ball, protecting itself against potential predators with its spines.

Unlike the smaller, warmer climate species, the European Hedgehog may hibernate in the winter. It is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates, but preferring slugs, earthworms, beetles and other insects. The preferred arthropods are the millipedes Glomeris marginata and Tachypodoiulus niger as well as the ground beetle Carabus nemoralis. It is also known to eat frogs, small rodents, young birds and birds\' eggs.

On 28 August 2007, the new Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) [launched in 1997] included the European Hedgehog on the list of species and habitats in the UK that need conservation and greater protection.

In Denmark, hedgehogs are protected by law. It is illegal to capture or hurt them, but it is accepted to house underweight hedgehogs found out during winter. Garden owners are encouraged to attract hedgehogs with a bit of dry cat food, to utilize their pest control abilities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Hedgehog