February 2nd marks International Hedgehog Day, and what better excuse to shine a spotlight on one of Malta’s most underrated little locals?

Malta is home to just one species of hedgehog: the Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus). These spiky residents come in two colour variations, known as ‘light’ and ‘dark’ – think of it as the hedgehog equivalent of blondes and brunettes.

In terms of size, Maltese hedgehogs usually grow to between 20 and 30 centimetres. While most adults seen by the Wildlife Rescue Team weigh between 500 and 800 grams, one rescued hedgehog tipped the scales at an impressive 2.4kg, earning it record-breaking status.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night and spend their days sleeping. During warmer months, they typically emerge around 9pm, while in colder weather you might spot them earlier, around 7pm. If you ever see a hedgehog wandering about during the day, that’s a red flag, and you should call the Wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505 so they can assess the situation.

Unlike their colder-climate cousins, Malta’s hedgehogs do not hibernate. They continue breeding throughout the year, including winter. This means that after the first late-summer storms, rescuers often receive calls about hoglets washed out of their nests. Late litters can also lead to an increase in cold-stunned juveniles during December – young hedgehogs that haven’t yet built up enough body fat to cope with low temperatures. In most of these cases, they simply need warmth and time to bulk up.

Hedgehogs are omnivores and surprisingly versatile eaters, enjoying everything from insects, snails and slugs to eggs, raw meat, fruits and vegetables. This makes them excellent natural pest controllers. When threatened, they rely on their iconic defence mechanism: curling into a tight ball so their spines form a prickly shield.

If you’re out and about at night, keep an eye out for these shy creatures. If a hedgehog appears distressed, injured, disoriented, or is out during the daytime, contact the Wildlife Rescue Team on 99999505. Otherwise, if you spot one quietly going about its business in the countryside, enjoy the moment and let it be!

Ever spotted a hedgehog in the wild?