The hedgehog is a small mammal that barely weighs half a kilo and attracts attention for its characteristic spines, which it uses as a defensive weapon, curling into a ball when it perceives possible danger. Find out the most interesting facts about hedgehogs.
The most interesting facts about hedgehogs
Although there are about 17 species of hedgehogs, the two best known are the African pygmy hedgehog or Atelerix Albiventris and the long-eared or Egyptian hedgehog, whose scientific name is Hemiechinus Auritus, and for many years these animals have been pets in Spain.
Having said that, we are dealing with a surprising little animal, able to even take on vipers and, in many cases, withstand their venom if bitten or stung, and which will not give up the fight using its strong armor. Find out what are the most interesting curiosities about this seemingly adorable animal.
How many spines does the hedgehog have?
The hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 spines which it uses as a defense technique. It is the muscles housed in the back that enable the animal to remove or hide the spines.
Strong immunity to poison
The hedgehog has a strong immunity to viper venom, which does not mean that on certain occasions the bite of the reptile cannot end its life. Its resistance to snake venom is 35 to 45 times that of a guinea pig, and it is able to tolerate doses of arsenic that could kill 25 people.
The hedgehog dares to fight the vipers
It is surprising, but in many confrontations in nature between hedgehogs and vipers, the winner is the hedgehog. The barbed technique consists of continuously irritating the viper so that it hits his armor so many times that it is seriously injured. When the viper is very weak, the hedgehog attacks it.
The hedgehog snorts
Yes, when sleeping, the hedgehog can snore. Also dream!
The hedgehog will win the fight against a viper
It is a nocturnal animal
The hedgehog is a nocturnal animal that spends most of the day sleeping.
Poor eyesight, excellent hearing
The hedgehog doesn’t exactly have brilliant eyesight, but it is capable of hearing frequencies between 250 and 60,000 hz, i.e. ultrasound. He also has a good sense of smell.
When did it appear?
The hedgehog has been on planet Earth for about 15 million years.
Solitary animal
The hedgehog is a solitary animal that usually joins its own species only to reproduce.
Self-anointing
This ritual is that when the hedgehog perceives a new smell, it will go to the source of that smell, smell it and bite it. He will then rub his spines with the frothy saliva he has generated in his mouth.
How many teeth does a hedgehog have?
The African hedgehog has 36 small, sharp teeth.
Hedgehog species
There are about 17 species of hedgehogs, and the most commonly kept as pets are the African pygmy hedgehog and the long-eared hedgehog.
The blond hedgehog
They are hedgehogs whose spikes are cream-colored. They are quite rare, but do occur on Alderney, one of the Channel Islands. This rare tone is a consequence of a recessive gene.
He sniffs all the time
The hedgehog sniffs continuously, moving his nose from side to side.
The hedgehog can hibernate
The hedgehog can hibernate for about 128 days, and while doing so, its body temperature can drop as low as 2ºC.
Sensitive to noise and sudden movements
The first thing a hedgehog will do when faced with sudden movement or an unexpected noise is to curl up into a ball to protect itself with its spines. It will also make a sound like rapid breathing.
It is forbidden to have a sea urchin
In Spain it is forbidden to own a Moorish hedgehog or a normal hedgehog.
African pygmy hedgehog
The African pygmy hedgehog is a mixture of African and Moorish hedgehogs.
In some areas of the United States it is illegal to own hedgehogs
In states like Georgia, California and Arizona (USA), hedgehogs are considered wild animals and it is illegal to keep them as pets.
He likes to eat insects
And because of this it is very well received when it creeps into an English garden
