Map of hedgehog distribution: National Geographic Maps. Hedgehogs can be found across the UK, but the best chance of seeing one is on a summer night, as they are nocturnal and hibernate from November to March. Hedgehog on black background: Eastmanphoto, Dreamstime. Hedgehog on grass: Creativenature1, Dreamstime. Hedgehog on tree stump: Zorandim, Dreamstime. Whilst these cool creatures mainly stay on the ground, they are quite good swimmers and can climb trees, too! Picture credits There are 15 different species of hedgehog, found across Europe, Asia and Africa. Scientists believe this may help hedgehogs hide their scent from predators, or give them a nasty shock shock should they attack! They usually sleep in this position during the day and awaken to search for food at night. The hedgehogs then lick their spines, spreading the saliva with the plant”s poison all over the spikes. If attacked they will curl into a prickly and unappetizing ball that deters most predators. Hedgehogs have a trick up their, errr, “sleeve” to give themselves extra protection – “ self anointing.” These amazing animals are immune to certain poisonous plants, which they eat before making a frothy saliva in their mouth. The quills tend to lay down flat along the back and sides of the hedgehog, all pointing towards their rear end, so as long as you dont push against the sharp tips of the quills (pet them. It is at this time that a hedgehog can be held without worrying about the sharp quills. Mostly nocturnal creatures, they head out at night in search of food – but they are sometimes active during the day, too, particularly after it rains. When a hedgehog is calm, their quills are in a relaxed position. Top on the hedgehog”s menu are insects, followed by small mice, snails, lizards, frogs, eggs and even snakes. By that time, their eyes are open, their spines are effective and they can safely follow their mother outside the nest as she looks for food. But soon after birth, their spines harden, becoming stiffer, sharper and longer. Babies stay in the nest until they”re about three weeks old. When they are born (there can be up to seven in a litter) their spines are soft and short. The body of adult hedgehogs ranges from 14 to 30 centimetres long, and their tail can add one to six centimetres. By curling into a tight ball and tucking in their heads, tail and legs, they protect vulnerable parts of their body. These cute critters depend on their spines for defense, both while they sleep and when they face enemies. Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs and bellies. Habitat: Grassland, hedgerows, woodland and meadows Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, which means that they are active during the night and sleep during daylight hours. It’s time for the lowdown on one of our planet’s cutest critters! Ready? Then check out our adorable hedgehog facts…
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