Here are seven Hedgehogs. They are, from left, Hillary the Hedgehog from Douglas, Chuckles the Beanie Baby Hedgehog from Ty Inc., Boyds Pudgy the Hedgehog, Ganz Woodland Wildlife Hedgehog, Hansa Hedgehog, Prickles the Hedgehog Beanie Baby and at right is Lil Critter Hedgehog from Manhattan Toys . Check the Gift Shop to see if there are any Hedgehogs in stock.

The Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a native of Europe. It is a small creature, only about 10 inches long. It likes to forage at night and when frightened rolls up into a little ball. Its hairs are actually sharp little spines that stick out when it rolls up and form an efficient defense. Hedgehogs will eat mice, frogs, snakes, birds' eggs and young and toads, as well as plants and fruits. They hibernate during the winter.

Hedgehogs breed twice a year. About a month after mating, in July or August, they produce four to eight babies. The babies remain in their small den until they are about a month old. They are blind at birth and can see in about a week.

Hedgehogs spines are sharp but not barbed like a porcupine. You can pick them up by hand without hurting yourself. The little animal pictured at left is a Qunfidha or Arabian Porcupine. It is not a porcupine at all and is in fact related to the Hedgehog.

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