Hedgehogs, often mistaken for baby porcupines, are incredibly fascinating creatures. With 17 species, including the popular African Pygmy, they are known for their adorable nature. Named for their habit of foraging in hedges, these nocturnal animals help gardeners by eating insects and small animals.

Covered in non-barbed, non-poisonous quills, hedgehogs protect themselves by curling into a ball. They exhibit unique behaviors like anointing, where they cover themselves in frothy saliva.

While they make quiet and interesting pets, hedgehogs require special care and are illegal in some places. From their varied diet to their hibernation from October to March, hedgehogs are truly enchanting creatures, both in the wild and as pets.