Common Hedgehog, also known as Thorn Ball, is short and fat. The body length is 16-29 cm, the tail length is 1.5-3 cm, and the weight is 350-900 grams. The head is wide, the top of the head is thin and short, the mouth is pointed, the eyes are small, and the ears are short. The back and sides of the body are covered with thorns, and the head, tail and ventral surface are pale yellow hairs; the snout is pointed and long, and the tail is short; the front and rear feet have 5 toes, rows, and a few species have 4 fore feet; 36 to 44 teeth, all sharp The teeth are pointed, suitable for eating insects; when frightened, the spines are erect, rolled into a ball of spines, and the head and 4 feet are not visible.

Hedgehogs are omnivores, and they mainly live by preying on various invertebrates and small vertebrates, as well as grass roots, fruits, melons and other plants in the wild. Family feeding can be self-prepared feed, with meat offal, grain and by-products, green vegetables, etc., in proportion. In addition, caterpillars, beetles, snails, earthworms and other small animals and fruits can also be fed.

Hibernation occurs in winter because hedgehogs cannot stably regulate their body temperature to keep it at the same level. When attacked by the enemy, they huddle into a ball to protect themselves. Hedgehogs are very timid and easily frightened. It moves slowly and is generally nocturnal. It has a keen sense of smell and a small appetite, generally foraging when it is dark.

The breeding period of hedgehogs is from June to August each year, with 1 to 2 litters per year, 35 to 37 days of gestation, and 3 to 7 cubs per litter. The newborn cub is pink all over, with white soft thorn hairs, eyes closed, and weighs about 13-15g. The hair starts to stand up in about 20 hours, and makes a squeaking sound, and the eyes begin to open after 10 days, and 20 days later. Teething begins, and the lactation period is about 40 days. Sexual maturity in about 1 year; lifespan up to about 10 years.