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Hedgehog

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A northern white-breasted hedgehog

Hedgehogs constitute 17 (or more) species of spiny mammals, mostly nocturnal, belonging to 5 genera in the subfamily Erinaceinae of the family Erinaceidae in the order Eulipotyphla. Hedgehogs are native to Eurasia and Africa. There are no living hedgehog species native to the Americas or Australia. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is the only hedgehog species native to the United Kingdom and is an introduced, invasive species in New Zealand.

Quotes

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  • If I pass during some nocturnal blackness, mothy and warm,
        When the hedgehog travels furtively over the lawn,
    One may say, "He strove that such innocent creatures should
            come to no harm,
        But he could do little for them; and now he is gone."
  • The easiest way to make his acquaintance in the wild state is to be in the wood towards the close of twilight, when, any fine summer evening, the sound of his rustling among the herbage, accompanied by a continuous and often loud sniffing in his eager search for prey, soon guides one to the little animal's presence. At such times he is far less addicted than when seen by daylight to the provoking practice of rolling himself up in his prickly coat of armor; and it can be sen that, instead of an erect mass of prickles, the Hedgehog, who unalarmed, wears a smooth coat, the spines lying like ordinary hairs along his back and sides. Trusting, no doubt, to the fact that his refuge can be instantaneously assumed, he shows a boldness towards human observers that would be impossible in the case of any other wild mammal; everything he approaches is examined at close quarters, and if you stand still he is not at all likely to pass you without thrusting his snout under the instep of your book, evidently hoping that some snail or beetle have made a retreat to so convenient a crevice. With all his boldness, he likes close concealment by day, and retires to rest as a rule, before sunrise—often down rabbit burrows, or under the shelter of a thick furze-covert.
  • ... The Hedgehog hibernates in winter; rolling himself up in some grassy hedge bottom, with leaves, grass, and moss, he seems to sleep winter unconsciously away. ... the Hedgehog destroys a very troublesome weed, viz., the plantain, beneath which it burrows, and devours the root upwards to the leaves, than which there could hardly be devised a more certain method of extirpation ...
  • ... hedgehogs are low-maintenance pets compared to more traditional animals like dogs or cats. They thrive in small, well-prepared spaces and have relatively simple dietary needs, making them ideal for individuals living in apartments or homes with limited space. Their quiet and independent nature further adds to their appeal, as they require less attention and interaction than some other pets while still forming a bond with their owners.
    Hedgehogs also boast a fascinating array of natural behaviors that are delightful to observe. Whether they’re exploring their environment, foraging for food, or curling into a tight ball for a nap, their antics never fail to entertain. Their nocturnal habits mean they’re most active in the evening, providing the perfect opportunity for owners to unwind after a long day while watching their pet’s playful adventures.
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