Can Hedgehogs Swim?
If you’ve ever seen an image of a hedgehog playing in water, you may have wondered if hedgehogs can swim or not. The answer is yes, hedgehogs are powerful swimmers.
How it Helps Them
Swimming helps hedgehogs avoid predators and escape to safety. Running on land is quite difficult for hedgehogs and they also have to defend their territory in the wild, so their ability to get away quickly and quietly can be a useful defence mechanism.
It is not known why hedgehogs like to swim, but since hedgehogs usually only venture out at night, it is likely that swimming provides hedgehogs with the opportunity to explore and hunt during the night hours.
What to Consider
If you are considering adopting a hedgehog as a pet, you should know that it might be a good idea to give them access to some kind of water source. While hedgehogs don’t need to be able to swim in order to survive, having access to water can help them stay healthy and hydrated. If your hedgehog does decide to take the plunge, here are some things to consider:
- Ensure the water is shallow. Hedgehogs should not be put in water that is deeper than their heads as they will be unable to turn around or move quickly enough without being able to touch the bottom.
- Supervise them. Hedgehogs don’t usually tire when swimming and can get stuck in the water, so it is important to make sure you are keeping an eye on them.
- Use a pool or pond. A backyard pool or pond is ideal for hedgehogs as it gives them more space to explore. Make sure you provide a ramp or some rocks for your hedgehog to climb on and out of the water.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question: can hedgehogs swim? The answer is yes, they can! Swimming is a natural behaviour for hedgehogs and can be a great way to help them explore and exercise while avoiding predators.
