A hedgehog is an insect-eating animal belonging to a family of several species. It is not related to the woodchuck or to the porcupine. The teeth are small and sharp —more like those of a shrew. The common hedgehog of Europe is about nine inches in length, Its upper parts are covered thickly with strong, sharp spines about an inch in length. When attacked or alarmed the little animal tucks its nose and feet in, and, by means of a peculiar set of muscles running along its sides something like the strings of a lady's handbag, draws the spiny portion of its bide together in such a way as to become a perfect globe, armed with spiny bristles at every point of the surface. It may be handled, or teased by dogs, for hours at a time, before it will open up or expose itself to its enemies. Its spines are so elastic that it may be thrown like a ball without suffering injury. In addition to insects, the hedgehog is not averse to birds, eggs, and even poisonous snakes, which it is able to eat, tail first, with the utmost satisfaction. The hedgehog feeds at night, and hibernates in the winter. There are no hedgehogs in America.
