However, the hair behind the hedgehog is a thick layer of spikes (or modified hair) called quills. These quills are made of keratin, which is the same as our hair and nails are made of. Hedgehogs are white or light brown to black with several shades in strips along the quill.
What are hedgehog spines?
2) In Europe, Asia and Africa, it is well known for its unique coat of thorns, sometimes called quill or "thorn". Hedgehog thorns are thorny and almost uniform compared to the New World porcupine, which has thorns in the quill and varies in size and shape throughout the body.
Do hedgehogs have thorns?
The body of an adult hedgehog has 5,000 to 7,000 spines. Hedgehog spines are the primary defense against predators. When threatened, the hedgehog curls up into a tight, pointed ball.
Why do hedgehogs have quill?
Why do hedgehogs have quill? Hedgehogs are small animals and are threatened by a variety of prey animals, including foxes. So they turned themselves into these little pointed creatures to protect themselves. Quill protects the soft lower abdomen, a prize that predators are looking for.
Are hedgehog spines toxic?
Hedgehogs have 5000 to 7000 quill (spike)! .. Hedgehog spikes are not thorny or toxic. The inside of the quill is almost hollow, each with an air chamber, making it lightweight yet durable. The hedgehogs are named after their love for the hedgehogs in the garden and the growls they make!
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