Hedgehogs are spiny animals that can be found in certain parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are seventeen different species of hedgehog and they have adapted to a nocturnal way of life. Their spiny protection is very similar to that of the porcupines. A very interesting fact about their spines is that they are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.

The most common pet species of hedgehogs are hybrids and the North African hedgehogs; even though it is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some US states, Scandinavia, the UK and in Italy.