Page 27 - Mammal (DK Eyewitness)

STRANGE BEHAVIOR
Hedgehogs have often
been seen to chew
something foul (such
as the dead toad, left),
and then flick and spit
their frothy saliva over
their spines. It is not
clear why. One theory
is that this self-
anointing is part of the
animal’s defense,
helping to deter
predators.

BABY’S DEFENSE
A baby hedgehog’s
first coat of rubbery
spines lies flat under
its skin at birth, but
pops up within a few
hours. The baby
cannot roll up until
it is 11 days old. Its
Feet barely visible
main defense is
to jerk its head up-
Head remains tucked under wards, stabbing
predators on
the nose.
FLIPOVER
f
I
4 the hedgehog continued to
unroll while lying on its back, its
vulnerable underparts would be
exposed to any predators. To
prevent attack, the hedgehog
executes a quick flipover
maneuver to land on its belly,
keeping its feet tucked in and
its head well down for
continued protection.

PREPARING TO MOVE OFF Head emerges
I
f
5 there is no sign of renewed to investigate
threat the hedgehog uncurls further. surroundings
Its head emerges to reveal which end is
which, and, sniffing and with whiskers
quivering, it looks around for a suitable
place of safety, preferably a dark tangle of
brambles and undergrowth.

QUICK EXIT
6 Defense gives way to escape, and the hedgehog scurries off
to safety. This animal can move surprisingly fast when at risk -
at about the speed of a human’s quick walk - with its body
held off the ground. But when foraging peacefully for
slugs, worms, insects, and fallen fruit, it shuffles flatly
among leaves and vegetation.

HEDGEHOG RELATIVE?
The echidna of Australia and New Guinea has
a coat of defensive spines similar to the
hedgehog’s. Yet it is only distantly related,
having evolved the same system of defense Hedgehog moves quickly
separately. The hedgehog gives birth to live to safer place
young; the echidna lays eggs (p. 31).

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