A hedgehog is a very small mammal named such because it searches for food through underbrush and hedges.African Wildlife Foundation: Hedgehog National Geographic: Hedgehog There are 16 species of hedgehog, and they can be found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and New Zealand.Animal Corner: Hedgehogs

A hedgehog is covered with grayish-brown fur under spines, which are actually strands of stiff, hollow hair that grow from follicles.Animal Corner: Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs have strong forefeet and claws, which enables them to dig effectively.Animal Corner: Hedgehogs Their back claws are the same width but longer than their forefeet. The back claws only have 4 toes each, compared to 5 toes for the forefeet.Animal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are excellent swimmers and climbers. They may travel a couple hundred yards in a night and nest in brush or under rocks.Animal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog

When a hedgehog discovers an unfamiliar object, it will lick it repeatedly. The reason behind this behavior is unknown.African Wildlife Foundation: Hedgehog

Hedgehogs curl up into a ball with their spines extended when threatened, which protects them from most predators.African Wildlife Foundation: Hedgehog

1. Kingdom: AnimaliaAnimal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog
2. Phylum: ChordataAnimal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog
3. Class: MammaliaAnimal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog
4. Order: ErinaceomorphaAnimal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog
5. Family: ErinaceidaeAnimal Diversity Web: Western European Hedgehog

• National Geographic Kids: Hedgehog

• Fun Trivia: Hedgehog quiz

• Quizmoz: Hedgehog Quiz

• Kids-n-Fun: Coloring pages: Hedgehogs

• Just Jigsaw Puzzles: Hedgehog

• Flash Puzzle Zone: Hedgehog Online Jigsaw Puzzle

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