European Hedgehog (Wildlife by CollectA)

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) also known as the common hedgehog ranges across much of Europe, from Iberia and Italy, north into Scandinavia and northwest Russia, and west into the British Isles. It is a beloved animal throughout its range and a welcome visitor to backyard gardens where it feeds nocturnally on worms, slugs, snails, caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates. They also consume eggs which makes them a threat to ground nesting birds in places where they have been introduced, such as New Zealand and the Western Isles of Scotland. The European hedgehog is immensely popular and has been replicated in plastic many times. Today we’re looking at CollectA’s 2011 hedgehog.

The European hedgehog averages about 10” (25.4 cm) in head-to-body length and weighs between 2-4 lbs. (0.9-1.8 kg). Weight fluctuates with the seasons and hedgehogs weigh more in the Autumn, before hibernation, than they do in the Spring and Summer. The CollectA hedgehog measures 2.5” (6.35 cm) from snout to rump when measured along its back. This puts the figure at about 1/4 in scale.

The CollectA hedgehog is a positively adorable little figure. It is presented resting on its rump with its little forepaws lifted off the ground. Despite its diminutive size there is a lot of fine detail to be appreciated here. The spines along the back are numerous and tightly packed together and the figure has a nice furry coat along the face, flanks, and belly. Many hedgehog figures have the spines simply etched along the back of the sculpt but here they’re individually sculpted which adds realism to the figure as well as a pleasing texture.

In life hedgehogs are known to roll into balls to protect their vulnerable undersides with their forcefield of spines, which they do not imbed into an attacker like a porcupine does. Despite their formidable defenses hedgehogs are still preyed upon by red foxes, badgers, pine martens, eagle-owls, and golden eagles.

The figure has five distinct digits on each paw, small, rounded ears, and a nose complete with nostrils on the end of its pointed snout. The black eyes are painted with a shiny, lifelike finish. The CollectA hedgehog is primarily brown with the paws being darker than the main body. The tip of each spine is tipped in white which adds some appealing contrast between the spines and the body.

The CollectA hedgehog is an enchanting and whimsical little toy that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Not only does it look great on a shelf, but it would also make a fantastic addition to a small diorama or just chilling in a potted houseplant. This hedgehog is still in production and retails for about $3-4.