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New page: The '''Hedgehog''' is a small mammal, covered with protective spines. Various kinds are found throughout Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The hedgehog [[hibernation|hiber...
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.
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.
Hedgehogs have been eaten by some people, notably the [[Gypsies]], traditionally coated in 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.
[http://hedgehogcentral.com/ Hedgehog Central]
[[Category:Mammals]]
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.
Hedgehogs have been eaten by some people, notably the [[Gypsies]], traditionally coated in 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.
[http://hedgehogcentral.com/ Hedgehog Central]
[[Category:Mammals]]