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- Hedgehogs are well-known for rolling into a ball as a defence mechanism, using their spines to protect themselves. Unfortunately this mechanism does not help them when trying to cross roads.
- Hedgehogs can communicate in a variety of different ways, including grunts, snuffles, and loud squeals.
- Hedgehogs are nocturnal.
- Hedgehogs were eaten in Ancient Egypt, with a common cooking method being to cover the hedgehog in clay and then bake it. Please don't try this at home!
- The gestation period for hedgehogs is 35 to 58 days, depending on the species, and this results in three to six baby hedgehogs.
- Wild hedgehogs, for example in the UK, generally hibernate from November to March, although this can depend on the temperature and weather. Pet, domesticated hedgehogs do not usually hibernate.
- Some species of hedgehog can live up the age of 10, but most hedgehogs live for around three to six years.
- Hedgehogs are mentioned in Shakespeare's The Tempest and Midsummer Night's Dream.