Hedgehogs belong to relatively large insectivores. They have a body with a thick and strong structure. A flat, wedge-shaped head with a massive skull is ended with an elongated snout. The back and sides of the body are covered with spines (subfamily Erinaceinae) or stiff hair. The hedgehog spikes are transformed hair, made of keratin. The hedgehogs are not poisonous, but when their needles get stuck in the body, it's hard to get them out. The hedgehogs are firmly embedded in his body, unlike the porcupine spines. Hedgehogs lead terrestrial and nocturnal lifestyle. They can climb and swim. They are omnivorous - they feed on snails, earthworms, bird eggs, small mammals and amphibians, but mainly insects. Contrary to popular superstitions (and also against many fairy tales), hedgehogs do not eat apples. As mammals that eat insects and rodents, they help reduce the amount of plant pests that humans grow. The hedgehog is able to eat 200 grams of insects during one night. However, when it consumes pests killed with pesticides, it can be poisoned. In a moderate climate, hedgehogs fall into a winter sleep. They often bury themselves in piles of fallen leaves to sleep a cold period of the year.
