Hedgehog Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

–There are seventeen species of hedgehog in the world.

– Despite popular belief there are no hedgehogs native to Australia.

-Like many of the first mammals, they have adapted to a nocturnal way of life

-Hedgehogs’ spiny protection resembles that of the unrelated porcupines

-Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their spines, which are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.

-Their spines are not poisonous or barbed but are still quite pointy (ouch!)

–Hedgehogs can roll into a tight ball, causing all of the spines to point outwards as a defensive shield.

–Hedgehogs sleep for a large portion of the day under bush, grass, or in dens dug in the ground.

-Hedgehogs are fairly vocal and communicate through a combination of grunts, snuffles and/or squeals, depending on species.