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Hedgehog is a spiny animal which belongs to Erinaceinae subfamily. Hedgehogs are of different types and genera. Around 17 different species of this animal have been identified so far. They are all native to different parts of Asia, New Zealand, Europe and Africa. It is said that hedgehogs are descendants of gymnures and shrews. Nevertheless, over the past 15 million years, these mammals have adopted some changes. Hedgehog is a nocturnal creature which leads the life of an insectivore. Just like porcupine hedgehog has thorn-like features all over its body. This spiny features act as a major tool for protection from other animals. Hedgehog has a snout which resembles that of a pig. Besides that they are often found near hedgerows. This is how hedgehog derived its name around 500 years back. This spiny animal has other names too and they are often referred as urchins, furze-pigs and hedge pigs. The spines of a hedgehog are obviously sharp and made of keratin. These spines are used as a weapon for attacking other animals that try to prey on hedgehogs. While the spines can actually hurt they are not at all barbed or poisonous. A baby hedgehog has smaller spines and as it grows new spines replace the old ones. This process is known as "quilling". These spines are quite strong and they fall off only when the animal becomes too sick or when it becomes a victim of stress. Hedgehogs are often attacked by wolves, foxes and mongooses. When attacked hedgehogs fight back or try to escape. Sometimes they may roll themselves to form a ball-like structure, entirely surrounded by spines. Different species of hedgehogs have different types of enemies. Some of the species that are found in the forests are often attacked by ferrets and birds like owls. Hedgehogs sleep during daytimes and become active during the night. So, if you are looking for one of them during daytime, you may find it sleeping behind a bush or a rock.

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Camera: Olympus E-500

Lens: Zuiko Digital 40-150mm/3.5-4.5

Lens hood: LH-61D

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