The European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was introduced to New Zealand in 1870 and has now spread throughout the country. They have maintained a similar habitat to European specimens, i.e. farmland, rural and urban areas but have expanded their habitat range to include alpine tussock grasslands and forest. It is generally nocturnal, and if alarmed will roll itself into a ball, protecting itself against potential predators with its spines.

It is considered a pest in New Zealand where it preys upon the native giant snails, weta, and various other native invertebrates. In Europe they are utilised as an agent for of pest control - a single hedgehog can keep an average garden free of pests by eating up to 200 grams of insects each night. It is common throughout the United Kingdom to see people attempting to lure hedgehogs into their gardens with treats and hedgehog-sized holes in their fences.