Erinaceus europaeus; Print; The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus); also known as the West European hedgehog or common hedgehog; is a hedgehog species found in Europe; from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia. It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. It is a well-known species; and a favorite in European gardens; both for its endearing appearance and its preference for eating a range of garden pests. While populations are currently stable across much of its range; it is thought to be declining severely in Great Britain.; 1700-1880