Whether you know this animal from nature or even video games, hedgehogs are seen as one of the most popular exotic pets in the world. There is something charming about these spiny features that people can't help but keep them as beloved pets. Perhaps you're thinking about picking up one for yourself, too. With this information in mind, here are 4 interesting facts about hedgehogs for pet owners to know.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
Hedgehogs are most commonly identified by their quills, which are nothing short of recognizable. Have you ever seen one of these animals curl up into a ball, with the quills sticking up? The reason for this is protection. If they feel intimidated or threatened, they utilize this defense mechanism to protect themselves. With about 5,000 individual spines to account for, it's easy to see that hedgehogs are adept at defending themselves if need be.
The reason why these animals are called "hedgehogs" is the fact that they are mostly found in garden hedges. For hedgehogs, these areas are ideal for finding shelter and food alike. Speaking of food, hedgehogs are known for consuming worms, centipedes, and other smaller creatures. In any event, if you have hedges on your lawn that you maintain, take a closer look inside of them. There's a possibility that a hedgehog or two made them their habitat.
When you think about nocturnal animals, which are active during the night and sleep throughout the day, you would immediately think of raccoons, owls, and bats. However, hedgehogs function this way as well. It's natural for them to work hard when the sky is dark, seeing as how their poor eyesight pales in comparison to their sharp senses of hearing and smell. Many people aren't aware of this fact about the spiny creatures in question, which makes it worth drawing attention to.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
Hedgehogs are most commonly identified by their quills, which are nothing short of recognizable. Have you ever seen one of these animals curl up into a ball, with the quills sticking up? The reason for this is protection. If they feel intimidated or threatened, they utilize this defense mechanism to protect themselves. With about 5,000 individual spines to account for, it's easy to see that hedgehogs are adept at defending themselves if need be.
The reason why these animals are called "hedgehogs" is the fact that they are mostly found in garden hedges. For hedgehogs, these areas are ideal for finding shelter and food alike. Speaking of food, hedgehogs are known for consuming worms, centipedes, and other smaller creatures. In any event, if you have hedges on your lawn that you maintain, take a closer look inside of them. There's a possibility that a hedgehog or two made them their habitat.
When you think about nocturnal animals, which are active during the night and sleep throughout the day, you would immediately think of raccoons, owls, and bats. However, hedgehogs function this way as well. It's natural for them to work hard when the sky is dark, seeing as how their poor eyesight pales in comparison to their sharp senses of hearing and smell. Many people aren't aware of this fact about the spiny creatures in question, which makes it worth drawing attention to.
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