If you live in Europe, Africa, or Asia, you may have seen a wild hedgehog near your home.  If you live in North or South America, you have probably seen African Pygmy hedgehogs, which are kept indoors as pets.

All hedgehogs can roll into a ball and stay rolled up for a long time.  A strong muscle in the hedgehog’s back helps it roll into a ball. Rolling into a tight ball helps the hedgehog defend itself from enemies. This works well for the hedgehog unless it becomes frightened crossing a road.  Many wild hedgehogs are injured or killed each year by cars on the road and in other accidents.  Please watch for them at night, and contact a local rescue hospital if you find an injured hedgehog.