Hedgehog
At Animal Tracks, we always have a few pygmy hedgehogs in our care. Originally from Africa, these tiny creatures have unfortunately become victims of the pet trade in the United States and other countries, where they are often purchased without an understanding of their needs.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and generally do not enjoy human interaction. Covered in approximately 5,000 spines and carrying a slight natural odor, they are far better suited to life in the wild than as pets in our homes. Sadly, many owners realize too late that hedgehogs are not the cuddly companions they expected, leading to surrenders at animal shelters or directly to us.
At Animal Tracks, our hedgehogs receive the best care—proper nutrition, enrichment, and as much nocturnal activity as they please. They are loved and well looked after in an environment that meets their needs.
If you or someone you know adores hedgehogs, we encourage you to visit us for an educational experience rather than purchasing one as a pet. Learning about these fascinating animals in the right setting helps protect them from exploitation in the pet trade.
ORDER: Eulipotyphla
FAMILY: Erinaceidae
GENUS: Atelerix
SPECIES: Algirus
African hedgehogs are solitary and nocturnal creatures. They feed at night and may cover up to 8 km (5 miles) distance in a night These small animals have many predators and when feeling threatened they roll into a spiny ball making their quills point in all different directions; this way they hope to deter predators. Hedgehogs sometimes perform a ritual called anointing. When the animal encounters a new scent, it will lick and bite the source, then form a scented froth in its mouth and paste it on its spines with its tongue. The purpose of this habit is unknown, but some experts believe anointing camouflages the hedgehog with the new scent of the area and provides a possible poison or source of infection to predators poked by their spines. When they need to communicate with each other, North African hedgehogs make hisses or snorts.
Threats
North African hedgehogs are not threatened at present, but they suffer from habitat loss and road mortality.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern