Origins of the name Hedgehog 

Hedgehogs are nocturnal foragers, and can often be found in and among hedgerows. The deep hedgerows are traditionally where many invertebrates would be found which are their primary food source. Deep hedgerows also make safe nesting sites free from predation. A tiny access deep amongst roots and bushes will help  keep them and their newborns safe.  It’s not just a safety thing it also because of the massive supply of ‘ugly buglies’ that have also made the hedge their home  and breed there and they are perfect for weaning young hoglets on. Hedgehogs use their forefoot to dig and rummage for and root out the insects, they grunt, huff, snort and ‘snuffle’, looking and sounding a bit like little pigs. Hence the name hedgehog. They make several other noises too; if they feel threatened, hedgehogs will hiss, whistle and even quack!   Another name for the hedgehog is ‘urchin’, after which the species ‘sea urchin’ is named due to its similarly prickly appearance.