Nothing is more confusing than the African Pygmy Hedgehog. It looks so tiny and cute with its snuffly wee nose and big huge eyes but it’s also a tiny ball of spikes and pain. Well, only if it’s feeling threatened.

The African Pygmy Hedgehog’s back and sides are covered in quills which are used to deter predators. When threatened, they use muscles in their back to make their quills stand up, thus making them look bigger…well, attempting to make them look bigger. If they continue to feel threatened, the hedgehog will then roll into a tiny ball of razors and the predator will (hopefully) go “this isn’t worth it” and leave.

In recent years, African Pygmy Hedgehogs have been the most popular breed of hedgehogs to be kept as pets and are fairly domesticated now. As a pet, they need lots of space, lots of patience and an understanding that they’re nocturnal so are only really up for playing at nights. If you can meet those requirements, then it looks like you’ve got space in your home for a spiny ball of cuteness.