Hedgehog, << HEHJ hog or HEHJ hawg, >> is a small animal that looks somewhat like a porcupine. The common hedgehog lives in northern Europe and Asia, Turkey, southern and eastern Africa, and New Zealand. It grows about 9 inches (23 centimeters) long. It has short ears and legs, a short tail, and a long nose. Stiff, needlelike growths called spines cover its back and protect the animal from its enemies. When it is in danger, the hedgehog rolls itself into a spiny ball.
Hedgehogs hunt for food at night. They eat insects, snakes, small mammals, birds, and birds’ eggs. When cold weather comes, hedgehogs settle down to hibernate. Hedgehogs are easily tamed. Many people keep them as pets, often to get rid of insects and other house pests.
