Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular pets, and it’s easy to see why! These prickly little creatures are cute and fascinating in equal measure. However, there’s more to hedgehogs than meets the eye. Here are just a few of the secrets of these intriguing animals.

Hedgehogs are ancient creatures

Believe it or not, hedgehogs have been around for a long time. Fossil records show that they first appeared around 15 million years ago! These ancient animals have managed to survive and thrive for so long because they are incredibly adaptable and resourceful.

Hedgehogs have excellent hearing and smell

Despite having small eyes, hedgehogs have excellent hearing and smell. Their noses are highly sensitive and they use them to forage for food. They can also hear noises that are too faint for humans to detect, which helps them avoid danger.

Hedgehogs are immune to many toxins

Hedgehogs have evolved to be immune to the venom of many animals, including adders and scorpions. This is because they often eat insects and other small creatures that could be poisonous. This immunity is so strong that hedgehogs have even been known to eat poisonous mushrooms without being affected!

Hedgehogs are nocturnal

One of the reasons hedgehogs can be difficult to spot in the wild is because they are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and come out to forage for food at night. This also means that if you have a pet hedgehog, they may not be very active during the day.

Hedgehogs are great swimmers

Despite their land-based reputation, hedgehogs are surprisingly good swimmers. They have small feet that are ideal for paddling, and they can hold their breath for up to six minutes. This means that if they find themselves in water, they can often swim to safety.

Hedgehogs hibernate in the winter

In colder climates, hedgehogs hibernate in the winter to conserve energy. They build nests and hunker down until the weather gets warmer. However, if a hedgehog wakes up during hibernation, it can be dangerous for them as they may lose too much weight or become dehydrated.

In conclusion, hedgehogs are cute and fascinating creatures with many secrets. Despite their reputation for being prickly, they are actually very adaptable and can be great pets for those who are willing to take care of them properly. Whether you’re a hedgehog lover or just intrigued by these little animals, there’s no denying that they are truly fascinating.