Paula M. Wilson - Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are not actually hogs. They are closely related to other small spiny mammals called gymnures and moonrats. They are not related to porcupines, even though they both have pointy spines.

Hedgehogs are not of hedgehogs hibernate in the winter.

Wild hedgehogs help gardens grow by snacking on bugs that often eat plants.

Hedgehogs are . They eat bugs, plants, worms, rodents, lizards, and even snakes. Their eyesight is very poor, but they have a strong sense of smell. Their snouts can sniff out bugs 2 inches (5 centimeters) below ground.

Hedgehogs have some protection against snake and insect bites. A protein in their muscles makes them able to withstand snake and insect venom.

There are 17 hedgehog species. They come in different sizes and colors, and they all behave in different ways. Pet hedgehogs are African pygmies. They are a mix of the white-bellied and Algerian hedgehog species.

The hedgehogs spines are actually a type of hair. When a hedgehog is about 6 to 8 weeks old, it loses its baby spines in a process called quilling. This makes room for its adult spines. The adult spines are all the same length and do not come out. In addition to protection, the spines are used for cushioning if a hedgehog falls. Spines also help keep the animal dry.

What do you notice first about a hedgehog? Its probably the sharp spines that cover its back and sides. These stiff, nonvenomous spines keep the animal safe from . When frightened, a hedgehog curls into a tight ball. Its spines point outward, protecting it from danger.

The hedgehogs underbelly is covered in white or tan fur. Most hedgehogs have white or cream-colored spines with bands of brown or black. Some hedgehogs have raccoon-like markings on their faces with dark fur around their noses and eyes. Hedgehogs have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their back feet. Their long, pointed noses twitch when they sniff around and explore.

African pygmies are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long. They weigh 18 to 25 ounces (510 to 709 grams). That is about the same weight as two cans of soup. Other species of hedgehog are larger. They can grow to 10.5 inches (27 cm) long and weigh up to 2.25 pounds (1 kilogram). In the wild hedgehogs live for 2 to 3 years.

Hedgehogs make lots of different noises. They communicate with snorts, squeals, puffs, and hisses. Hedgehogs make a clicking sound when they are angry.

DID YOU KNOW?

African pygmies do not hibernate in the winter.

HEDGEHOGS AND HUMANS

People have a long history with hedgehogs. Hedgehogs first appeared in artwork thousands of years ago. Ancient Egyptians showed hedgehogs on ceramic bowls, jewelry, and ships. In the 1500s Shakespeare wrote about hedgehogs in a few of his plays. He called them hedge-pigs.

Despite the hedgehogs long place in history, they are somewhat new as pets. People first brought hedgehogs to the United States from Africa in the 1970s. Today hedgehogs are popular pets around the world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.

HEDGEHOGS HIT HOLLYWOOD

Hedgehogs have captured the imagination of authors, video game creators, and movie makers. Sonic the Hedgehog is a famous video game character. This blue hedgehog with supersonic speed has a huge following. Sonic even has 5 million followers on Twitter! Hedgehogs have also made it to Hollywood. Mr. Pricklepants is a charming hedgehog who appears in the movie Toy Story 3.

Clubs, shows, and websites are dedicated to hedgehogs. A convention called Hedgie-Con is held every year in the United States. Social media has helped the hedgehog gain fame and popularity. Facebook and Instagram pages feature life with pet hedgehogs. A hedgehog named Mr. Pokee has 435,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 40,000 followers on Facebook.