The African pygmy hedgehog may be small, but it’s packed with personality—and spines! This miniature mammal is covered in short, sharp quills on its back and soft fur on its belly. It’s no bigger than a soup can and is native to dry areas and savannas across central Africa.
These hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they sleep all day and explore at night. In the wild, they spend their evenings foraging for bugs, worms, snails, and even small frogs or lizards. Their super-sensitive nose helps them sniff out tasty treats underground.
When they feel scared or threatened, African pygmy hedgehogs curl into a tight ball, hiding their face, feet, and belly inside a fortress of quills. The quills don’t come off like a porcupine’s, but they do offer great protection from predators.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals and prefer quiet, cozy spaces. In zoos, they’re often housed in educational exhibits or shown during animal encounters to teach visitors about small mammals, nocturnal behaviors, and how wild animals defend themselves.
And yes—because of their size and cuteness, they’re also popular as exotic pets in some places. But like all wild animals, they need special care and understanding to be healthy and happy.
