20 facts about the Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog:
The Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) is a species of hedgehog native to Europe and Asia.
They are a medium-sized species of hedgehog, measuring up to 30cm in length and weighing around 600g.
Their fur is generally dark brown or black on their back and sides, and white or cream on their belly.
They have a distinctive white stripe that runs down their chest, which is where their name comes from.
Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs are nocturnal, spending most of their days sleeping in their burrows and coming out at night to hunt for food.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians if they can catch them.
They have a good sense of smell and hearing, but their eyesight is relatively poor.
Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs are solitary animals, only coming together to mate.
They are able to climb trees and swim, but are primarily ground-dwelling animals.
Their spines are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and nails.
When threatened, they will curl up into a ball to protect themselves, exposing only their spines.
They can also make a loud hissing noise and grunt as a warning to potential predators.
Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs are known to hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy.
During hibernation, their heart rate and metabolism slow down significantly, and they may not wake up for several weeks at a time.
They have a lifespan of around 5-7 years in the wild, and up to 10 years in captivity.
Female Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs can have up to 5 litters of 2-6 young each year.
The young are born blind and helpless, and are dependent on their mother for several weeks.
Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs are not considered endangered, but their populations have been declining in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
They are often kept as pets, but it is important to ensure that they are obtained from reputable breeders and that their care requirements are met.
In some countries, including the UK, Northern White-Breasted Hedgehogs are protected under law, and it is illegal to harm or disturb them without a license.
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