Tiny Spiky Armor: Hedgehogs are known for their spiky fur, which is actually made up of modified hairs called quills. These quills help protect them from predators by making them hard to bite!
Curl-Up Defense: When threatened, hedgehogs can roll into a tight ball, with their spines sticking out in all directions. This clever defense mechanism makes it very difficult for predators to get to their soft, vulnerable underbellies.
Night Owls: Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the night. They spend their nights foraging for food and exploring their surroundings.
Incredible Sniffers: Hedgehogs have an exceptional sense of smell, which they use to locate food. They can sniff out insects, worms, and even small vertebrates hiding in the soil or under leaves.
Solitary Adventurers: Hedgehogs are generally solitary animals, preferring to live and hunt alone. They only really come together during the breeding season.
Diverse Diet: These little critters are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet can include insects, fruits, vegetables, and even small frogs or lizards.
Ancient Creatures: Hedgehogs have been around for a very long time. Fossil evidence shows that they have existed for over 15 million years, making them one of the oldest living mammals.
Unique Footprints: If you ever see tiny, five-toed footprints in the dirt, you might be looking at hedgehog tracks! Their distinct footprints can help you spot where they've been wandering.
Quill Shedding: Just like humans lose hair, hedgehogs shed their quills, too! They do this a few at a time throughout their lives, and new quills grow back in their place.
Water Lovers: Despite their spiky appearance, hedgehogs are good swimmers! They can paddle through water with ease and may even enjoy taking a dip on a warm day.
