Question

What is the most recognizable feature of a hedgehog?

Answer 1

Hedgehogs belong to the Erinaceinae subfamily of the Erinaceidae eulipotyphlan family. Hedgehogs are divided into five genera and can be found in portions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as New Zealand, where they were introduced. Hedgehogs are not endemic to Australia, and there are no living species native to the Americas.

Complete answer:
Hedgehogs are little mammals with porcupine-like quills on their body and cone-shaped faces. Hedgehogs and porcupines are not related despite their similar appearances.
The spines of a hedgehog are its most distinguishing trait. There are hollow hairs that are hardened with keratin, the same substance that makes up hair and nails. The spines of a hedgehog are mostly used for self-defense. Their spines aren’t toxic or barbed, and they don’t simply detach from their bodies like porcupine quills do. The spines of immature animals, on the other hand, usually fall out as adult spines take their place. This is known as “quilling.” When an animal is sick or under a lot of stress, its spines can fall out. Hedgehogs are typically brown with light spine tips, yet blonde hedgehogs have been seen on the UK island of Alderney.
In self-defense, all hedgehog species can curl up into a tight ball, causing all of its spines to point outwards. Two big muscles on the hedgehog’s back control the position of the quills. While it’s wrapped into a ball, the creature’s back quills protect the tucked face, feet, and belly, which aren’t quilled.

Note:
Hedgehogs are mostly nocturnal, however certain species can be seen during the day. Hedgehogs sleep for a substantial amount of the day under bushes, grasses, boulders, or most commonly in dens built in the ground, with different sleeping habits depending on the species. Hedgehogs in the wild can hibernate, however not all do, depending on temperature, species, and food availability.