European Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus is an introduced nocturnal insectivore now widespread in New Zealand. Its dense spines distinguish it from every native land mammal. The back is covered in brown-and-cream spines, while the face and underside are furred. When threatened it curls into a tight ball.

It occupies farmland, gardens, dunes and open woodland across much of both main islands. It is absent from carefully protected predator-free islands. It eats invertebrates, eggs, lizards and other small prey. It forages mainly after dark and shelters by day.

New Zealand treats it as Introduced rather than assigning an NZ threat category. It is often encountered after dark in suburban Christchurch and rural Canterbury, but should not be fed.