What kind of animal is a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs are small mammals with cone-shaped faces, short legs and bodies that are covered with porcupine-like quills. Despite their similar appearances, porcupines and hedgehogs are not closely related.

What animal family is a hedgehog in?

Hedgehogs comprise a subfamily (Erinaceinae) of family Erinaceidae, which also includes the moonrat and the gymnures (subfamily Galericinae) of Southeast Asia and the Philippines. The name hedgehog can more broadly be applied to all species in this family. Hedgehogs are closely related to gymnures.

Is a hedgehog a rodent?

Shrews, moles and hedgehogs are also not rodents; they are classified in the Mammal order Eulipotyphla.) at left), yet another South American species, is the largest living rodent.

Is a hedgehog a rodent or marsupial?

Hedgehogs are mammals, but they aren't marsupials.

Are hedgehogs part of the pig family?

Even though these cute little animals have “hog” in their name, hedgehogs aren't any sort of swine, nor are they related to porcupines! The hedgehog's closest family are shrews, moles, and moonrats.

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What is the closest relative to a hedgehog?

The hedgehog's closest relatives are moonrats, shrews, and moles. People often confuse porcupines and hedgehogs because the two share a common characteristic: quills! The hedgehog's best defense against predators is its spiky outer armor.

Do hedgehogs lay eggs?

Hedgehogs are mammals, so they do not lay eggs, they give birth. Hedgehogs are considered to be placental mammals. Placental mammals give birth to completely developed babies that are ready to experience the world.

Are hedgehogs mice?

Hedgehogs have many similar features to a mouse or mole, so it's not a bad question. If you were thinking about getting a hedgehog for your home but would like to know if rodent or not first, you've come to the right place. The short answer is no. Hedgehogs are not rodents.

Is a hedgehog a possum?

The opossum is the closest American analogue to the hedgehog. Though the two animals are not at all related, they share many similar characteristics, chief among them their uniqueness. The hedgehog is the UK's only spiny mammal; the opossum is North America's only marsupial.

Is a hedgehog a reptile?

Hedgehogs are small mammals with cone-shaped faces, short legs and bodies that are covered with porcupine-like quills.

Are hedgehogs family of rats?

Hedgehogs aren't rodents. There are many differences that distinguish us from that kind of mammal. Rodents are in the Rodentia family. And hedgehogs are in the Erinaceidae family.

Do hedgehogs make good pets?

Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.

Can hedgehogs hurt you?

As long as a hedgehog is comfortable and relaxed, there would be no reason for them to go into a defensive mode and threaten to poke you. Hedgehog quills are unique and beautiful, and learning how to gently handle these animals is the best way to keep yourself from getting hurt.

Do hedgehogs bite?

However, you should try to use gloves when handling a hedgehog for your own health and safety. Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother).

What are three interesting facts about hedgehogs?

What does a hedgehog eat?

Do hedgehogs eat rats?

We've known for quite a while now that hedgehogs do sometimes eat rodents and a study in 1976 by Derek Yalden found mammal remains in 12% of the hedgehog stomachs he surveyed; including remains of mice.

Do hedgehogs eat baby mice?

Hedgehogs eat a wide range of invertebrates, beetles, worms, snails, slugs and insects. It will take carrion, scraps, some plant material and an opportunist robber taking mice, baby birds and eggs. For its size the hedgehog has a huge appetite.

What eats a hedgehog?

Cats are curious but not a big threat. They will usually leave hedgehogs alone after investigating them. Tawny owls and golden eagles occasionally eat hedgehogs in Britain. Pine martins, weasels, stoats and rats sometimes harm young hedgehogs.

What is special about hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs and bellies. These cute critters depend on their spines for defense, both while they sleep and when they face enemies.

Do hedgehogs have periods?

Hedgehogs do not have periods or a menstrual cycle like humans do. They do follow a rough cycle of 9 days on and 7 days off, but they are considered induced ovulators, and will ovulate, or go into heat, when in the presence of a male.