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additional info on largest known hedgehog
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 sight 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.
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 sight 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.
The largest known hedgehog is "Spiny Norman," who was last spotted in 1970 in the town of [[Luton]] in [[Bedfordshire]], [[England]]. He was measured as 12 feet from snout to tail. Reports that could be up to 800 yards long are considered apocryphal at best. <ref>[http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/piranha.htm The Piranha Brothers, Flying Circus, Episode 14]</ref>
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).
The African Pygmy Hedgehog is sometimes kept as a pet, but is illegal in certain states.
The African Pygmy Hedgehog is sometimes kept as a pet, but is illegal in certain states. <ref>[http://hedgehogcentral.com/ Hedgehog Central]</ref>
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Mammals]]
[[Category:Mammals]]