Hedgehog

Hedgehog, small insectivore (genus Erinaceus) of Asia, Africa, and Europe covered with spines. Each spine is a modified hair about 1 in (2.5 cm) long. The Eurasian species is the common hedgehog, E. europaeus. Nocturnal mammals, they wander about searching the ground for worms, beetles, and slugs. Hedgehogs are able to roll up for protection against predators and become entirely enclosed by the spiny part of the skin.