How long is the life span of hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs have hard thorns all over their bodies except their bellies, but they are gentle, small and cute, and they are also loved by more and more people. But at present, there are fewer and fewer wild hedgehogs, and their life span is relatively short, so how long is the life span of hedgehogs?

How long is the life span of hedgehogs?

The life span of hedgehogs is generally 4 to 7 years, and the longest can reach about 10 years. As a pet hedgehog, the life span may be a little shorter. According to records, there are hedgehogs that have lived for 16 years.

20% or 90% of the little hedgehogs live less than a year.

Hedgehogs begin to give birth in April each year, giving birth to 1 to 2 cubs a year, each with 3-6 cubs. Every year, in the spring after hibernation, hedgehogs look for a mate. Before the hedgehog accepts courtship, the male hedgehog spends hours around it and then completes his mission.

After mating, the female hedgehog will look for a safe and clean place as a nest. The hair on the newborn cub's back is sparse and soft, has no eyesight two weeks before and after birth, and gradually hardens into spines after a few days. After 4-8 weeks of breastfeeding, the mother hedgehog teaches how to find food.

Two months after the baby hedgehog is born, the mother hedgehog will stop taking care of the baby hedgehog and leave her belly to live. About 90% of the hedgehogs have a short life span of less than a year.

Third, the living habits of hedgehogs

1. Hedgehogs are widely inhabited in mountain forests, plain grasslands, crop fields, shrubs and grasses, especially in plain and hilly shrubs. Hedgehog nests are mostly under lowlands or valleys, tree roots, stone peaks and residential walls. The nest is covered with leaves, hay, moss and other items.

two。 Hedgehogs are timid and afraid of light, like a quiet environment, usually sleep in the hole during the day, and then move their bodies out at night.

3. Hedgehogs can climb trees and swim, so they can cross the river safely.

4. Hedgehog is an insectivorous animal that eats earthworms, insects, snails, frogs, snakes, lizards, mice, roots, stems and fruits of plants, especially cockroaches and can swallow poisonous moths. It also has strong resistance to abdominal snakes and can swallow small snakes.

The lives of most hedgehogs are very short, and with the accelerated pace of urbanization, there are fewer and fewer wild hedgehogs, if you encounter hedgehogs, it is best to do your part to protect them.