Hedgehogs can be surprisingly noisy little animals, and they don’t have just one sound – they have a whole mini “language” of grunts, huffs, hisses, and even screams.

Short answer

A typical wild hedgehog out at night most often makes a low grunting and snuffling sound, a bit like a tiny pig rooting around in leaves. But depending on mood, hedgehogs can also click, huff, hiss, purr, chirp, or scream.

Main hedgehog sounds and what they mean

  • Grunting and snuffling: Common “hog” sound, like a miniature pig; usually a hedgehog walking around, foraging for food at night, and generally fine.
  • Snuffling/snorting: Nasal sniffs when exploring; often a curious but content animal moving through grass or undergrowth.
  • Chuffing or “puffing”: Repeated huff‑puff sound; often heard in mating season when males circle females.
  • Clicking and popping: Sharper pops or loud clicks; can be a challenge to other hedgehogs or a defensive, annoyed reaction.
  • Hissing: Clear warning sound meaning “back off”, often when the hedgehog feels threatened or cornered.
  • Huffing: Repeated strong breaths, like a tiny steam engine; usually irritation or uncertainty when something is too close or unfamiliar.
  • Purring/whistling: Soft, rhythmic vibration or whistle; reported as a sign of contentment, often when a pet hedgehog is relaxed and comfortable.
  • Chirping: High, bird‑like chirps; most often hungry hoglets calling in the nest.
  • Screaming: Piercing, almost human‑sounding scream; usually distress, fear, or pain and is considered an emergency warning sign.
  • Coughing/wheezing: Not really “communication” but can indicate illness, especially respiratory problems, and may need a vet if it continues.

Simple example to imagine

If you hear something outside at night that sounds like a snuffling, pig‑like grunt moving through leaves, it’s very likely a hedgehog quietly searching for food. If instead you hear a sudden loud hiss or scream from a hedgehog, that’s a sign it’s frightened, angry, or in trouble and should be left alone or checked from a safe distance.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.