Why do hedgehogs have spikes?
Hedgehogs have spikes to keep them safe from bigger animals.
Pip’s answer
- Hedgehogs have spikes to keep them safe from bigger animals.
- When a hedgehog feels worried, it rolls up into a spiky ball.
- Other animals see the pointy ball and decide to leave it alone.
- Wow-ee, buddy, a hedgehog has about five thousand spikes on its back!
For grown-ups
A hedgehog has about 5,000 to 7,000 spines, which are hollow, stiff hairs. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball so the spines point outward, protecting its soft face and belly. The spines aren't poisonous and don't come out easily.
Ask your child: Can you curl up into a ball like a hedgehog?
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