When you think of a hedgehog, you might imagine them using their unique defense mechanism: curling into a tight, spiky ball.

Equally unfortunate is that the hedgehog isn't very fast on its feet. It's slow even when it tries to speed up. When threatened by a fox or cat, they roll into a ball, extending their spines outward.

Here are a few points (or should that be spines?) you might not know about the humble hedgehog. Back in the Middle Ages, hedgehogs were seen as harbingers of doom: spotting a hedgehog meant bad ...

On their backs they have spikes or spines, similar to hedgehog spines or porcupine spines. And that is one of their defense mechanisms against predators.

Hedgehogs have up to 5000 short, yellow-tipped spines can cover their upper body, offering protection from predators. If they're disturbed they'll roll up into a ball so their soft underside is ...

A litter of eight baby hedgehogs will soon be available for adoption at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay after a surprise pregnancy.