European hedgehog sheltering in tree bark, Sussex

© Jules Cox/Minden Picture

This spot's taken. European hedgehog

Brown, round, tiny and spiny—say hello to the European hedgehog! While this is the only species of hedgehog in the United Kingdom, where our image was taken, 17 other species can be found across Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand. With leaves turning gold and the air getting chilly, this European hedgehog is all set to gain some weight for the upcoming season. Mostly nocturnal, these prickly pals love snacking on insects, worms and slugs, keeping gardens and forests naturally pest-free. As the days get shorter and colder, they cosy up in their nests of logs and leaves and sleep away the winter blues. They slow down their heartbeats and conserve energy, waking up only when spring blooms beckon. Hedgehogs depend on their yellow-tipped spines for defence, both while they hibernate and when they face enemies. Though they don't live in the wild in North America, that shouldn't stop us from celebrating these spiky critters for adding a touch of wonder to the world!