Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus in garden scene
Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their spines, which are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin. Their spines are not poisonous or barbed and, unlike the quills of a porcupine, cannot easily be removed from the hedgehog. However, spines normally come out when a hedgehog sheds baby spines and replaces them with adult spines. This is called "quilling". When under extreme stress or during sickness, a hedgehog can also lose spines. A defense that all species of hedgehogs possess is the ability to roll into a tight ball, causing all of the spines to point outwards.
Size: 5000px × 4804px
Location: Norfolk England UK
Photo credit: © Ernie Janes / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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