The hedgehog has 5,000 to 7,500 quills, thick and rigid hairs 2 to 3 cm long. A quill has a maximum lifespan of 18 months and then is replaced by a new one.
The European hedgehog is a protected species, like the African hedgehog, by the decree of April 23, 2007. The hedgehog eats and hunts at night at a speed of 3 meters per minute. It loves snails, slugs, worms and insects and is therefore a perfect garden helper.