Hedgehogs

Hedgehog Facts:

• They will curl into a ball to protect themselves.
• They can live an average of 4-7 years.
• Hedgehogs have a natural immunity against some snake venom!
• The have an average of 6000 spines! They are mostly hollow, made of keratin (like a turtle shell) with complex chambers which make them very light but very strong.
• A group of hedgehogs is called an “array.” But they are shy pets that live alone.
• Hedgehogs make a lot of noises, they huff, and cry and make grunting noises like pigs. Hence their name.
• They are only allowed in some states as pets. They can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand.

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Hedgehog spines can be white or multicolored–this is from more melanin pigment. The same pigment that gives humans our different skin and hair colors.

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