Suburban Nairobi meets these habitat conditions, where hedgehogs are reported to be abundant. A hedgehog uses a small home range with an approximate 120-yard radius from its nest. The nest is built in dry litter under tangles of hedge or bush, rock crevices, termite mounds or under buildings. The hedgehog chatters, snorts or softly growls if its range is invaded by another animal. Behavior Hedgehogs are nocturnal and sleep most of the day.
Some species hibernate in winter and others sleep or remain inactive during the dry, hot summer.
Scientists report that before these periods, hedgehogs acquire a thick deposit of fat to live off while inactive. Though in some areas temperature changes seem to trigger the inactivity, the availability and quality of food are also factors. In Nairobi, hedgehogs are rarely seen during the height of the dry season, but are very conspicuous during and after rainy seasons, when insects are abundant. The hedgehog wakes up at dusk, and as a solitary animal, usually begins its nocturnal activities alone. It uses regular pathways, and toddling along on its short legs, starts searching for food.