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[[Image:Erinaceus concolor.jpg|thumb|Eastern European hedgehog, ''Erinaceus concolor'']]

[[Image:Erinaceus concolor.jpg|thumb|Eastern European hedgehog, ''Erinaceus concolor'']]

The '''Hedgehog''' is a small [[mammal]], covered with protective spines. Various kinds are found throughout [[Europe]], [[Africa]], and parts of [[Asia]]. The hedgehog [[hibernation|hibernates]] in winter.

The '''Hedgehog''' (''Erinaceinae'') is a small [[mammal]], covered with protective spines. Various kinds are found throughout [[Europe]], [[Africa]], and parts of [[Asia]]. The hedgehog [[hibernation|hibernates]] in winter. The name "hedgehog" was first used in the fifteenth century, and is drawn from their frequenting hedge rows and having a pig-like snout. They are also commonly referred to as the ''urchin'', ''hedgepig'', ''fadge-snuffler'' and ''furze-pig''

Hedgehogs are [[omnivore|omnivorous]], but typically subsist by rooting and snuffling for slugs and grubs. Though slow-moving, they are surprisingly agile, capable of climbing trees to raid birds' nests, and also swim well. Tales are told of them using their spines to impale and carry off soft fruit, but any such attachments are probably unintentional.  

Hedgehogs are [[omnivore|omnivorous]], but typically subsist by rooting and snuffling for slugs and grubs. Though slow-moving, they are surprisingly agile, capable of climbing trees to raid birds' nests, and also swim well. Tales are told of them using their spines to impale and carry off soft fruit, but any such attachments are probably unintentional.  

The hedgehog relies for defence on its protective spines, rolling itself into a ball in a similar fashion to a [[pangolin]] or [[armadillo]] when threatened. This tactic, while effective against many predators, is of little use against motor vehicles, and many hedgehogs are killed on roads every year. [[Badger]]s have been observed to drop them in water to induce them to unroll. Unlike those of the [[porcupine]], hedgehog spines are non-detachable, and rarely used aggressively.

The hedgehog relies for defence on its protective spines, rolling itself into a ball in a similar fashion to a [[pangolin]] or [[armadillo]] when threatened. This tactic, while effective against many predators, is of little use against motor vehicles, and many hedgehogs are killed on roads every year. The squashed-hedgehog has become a much more common site as they increasingly move into urban areas in search of the abundant supply of discarded food, much like seagulls, foxes and rats. [[Badger]]s have been observed to drop them in water to induce them to unroll. Unlike those of the [[porcupine]], hedgehog spines do not detach easily, and rarely used aggressively. The spines are made of [[keratin]] and are not barbed or poisonous.  

Hedgehogs have been eaten by some people, notably the [[Gypsies]], traditionally coated in clay and baked, but the Bible prohibits their consumption and declares them unclean (Leviticus 11:27).

Hedgehogs have been eaten by some people, notably the [[Gypsies]], traditionally coated in clay and baked, but the Bible prohibits their consumption and declares them unclean (Leviticus 11:27).