Natural Predators:
* Badgers: Badgers are strong enough to overcome a hedgehog's defenses and can dig them out of their burrows.
* Foxes: Foxes are opportunistic and clever enough to roll a hedgehog onto its back to get at its vulnerable belly.
* Birds of prey: Owls, hawks, and buzzards can swoop down and snatch hedgehogs, especially young or injured ones.
* Dogs: While not technically a natural predator, dogs often pose a threat to hedgehogs due to their curiosity and hunting instincts.
* Snakes: Some snake species, particularly larger ones like adders, may attempt to eat hedgehogs.
* Weasels: Weasels are agile and can sometimes outsmart hedgehogs, especially young ones.
Other Threats:
* Cars: Hedgehogs are often killed by cars, especially at night when they are foraging for food.
* Humans: Habitat destruction, pesticides, and intentional harm by humans also threaten hedgehog populations.
Important note: Hedgehogs have a natural defense mechanism – they roll into a ball and present their prickly spines. This makes them difficult to eat for many predators.