hedgehog

Everyday

A hedgehog is a small wild animal with a pointed nose and a back covered in sharp spines, which rolls into a ball when frightened. tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, hedgehogs live in gardens, hedges and woods; they are nocturnal, eat slugs, beetles and worms, and hibernate in winter. Hedgehogs are not native to North America or Australia (in New Zealand they were brought in). In stories, the hedgehog is often small, shy and brave. Phrases: roll up like a hedgehog, hedgehog house, hedgehog highway (a gap under a fence).

Examples

• A hedgehog snuffled through the leaves at night. tree →
• The hedgehog rolled into a prickly ball. tree →
• Hedgehogs eat slugs and beetles. tree →
• Hedgehogs hibernate in winter. tree →
• Check bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting them. tree →
• We cut a small hole in the fence for hedgehogs. tree →
• 'Yes, do let us!' answered the hedgehog. tree →

Note

Plural hedgehogs. Do not give hedgehogs milk or bread; it makes them ill — water and meaty cat food are better. A porcupine is a different, bigger animal with longer quills. Hedgehog spines are not poisonous and cannot be shot out.