Long before written history, hedgehog-like imagery<\/a> could be found in symbolic art linked to fertility and renewal, suggesting these animals mattered to people for far longer than written records can reveal. <\/p>\n In ancient Egypt, they were seen as guides and protectors<\/a>, admired for their ability to survive winter through hibernation, a powerful symbol of rebirth. However, the Egyptians also hunted them for sport and used their spines in folk remedies, including those thought to cure baldness.<\/p>\n Hedgehogs also historically took on more unsettling roles. In parts of China, early stories described hedgehog spirits that could shapeshift into human form<\/a> and bring misfortune. Later traditions, however, recast them as sacred household protectors and healers.<\/p>\n From the illustrated Alice in Wonderland. Hedgehogs\u2019 horrible history<\/p>\n In Britain, hedgehogs were viewed largely as negative until relatively recently. During the middle ages, they were closely associated with witchcraft. One widespread belief was that witches could transform into hedgehogs to cause harm and mischief<\/a>. They were also thought to sneak into fields at night to steal milk<\/a> directly from cows\u2019 udders. <\/p>\n Another long standing belief was that hedgehogs carried stolen fruit<\/a> on their spines. Medieval illustrations often showed them sneaking through orchards with apples skewered on their backs, an image that still appears in children\u2019s books and birthday party treats today. Some long-standing myths also persist, with well meaning people offering them milk, despite hedgehogs being lactose intolerant<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although some of these stories survive today as charming curiosities, others had more serious consequences. Hedgehogs were officially classed as \u201cvermin\u201d<\/a> under the Preservation of Grain Act 1532, alongside a long list of other animals. <\/p>\n Parishes were required to kill them, with bounties of three pence<\/a> paid for each hedgehog, a significant sum at the time. Communities that failed to meet their quotas could even be fined. Hedgehogs remained on these vermin lists for centuries. <\/p>\n It\u2019s estimated that over the 140 years from 1660 to 1800, around half a million<\/a> hedgehogs were destroyed in this way \u2013 a figure comparable to a substantial proportion of the UK\u2019s current population<\/a>. And they weren\u2019t alone, wildcats, otters and pine marten (to name but a few) were all once persecuted in the same way, and are now among the UK\u2019s most legally protected species, after suffering significant population declines.<\/p>\n Persecution and protection<\/p>\n Although this act was eventually repealed, the killing of hedgehogs continued well into the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly on shooting estates. Records suggest that tens of thousands were destroyed each year during this period, with the numbers killed declining between the 1960s and early 1980s. This may reflect changing attitudes and the introduction of wildlife protection legislation, but it is also possible that hedgehogs were becoming scarcer.<\/p>\n A 15th century illustrated text about a hedgehog and a wolf. Today, hedgehogs are seen very differently in the UK at least. In 2016 they were voted Britain\u2019s favourite mammal<\/a>, beating red foxes, which came in second place, by a considerable margin. Public affection for hedgehogs has fuelled garden conservation campaigns<\/a>, dedicated charities<\/a> and a growing network of rehabilitation centres<\/a>, caring for sick and injured animals \u2013 often supported by members of the public who actively manage gardens with hedgehogs in mind.<\/p>\n![\"Hedgehogs](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/file-20251219-56-e4s07g.jpg\")
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\n From the British Library archive<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/file-20251219-56-81wcxg.jpg\")
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\n Getty\u2019s Open Content Program., FAL<\/a><\/p>\n