- Walking: Hedgehogs primarily move by walking on their four short legs. Their feet have five toes, each with a sharp claw, providing traction and stability on various surfaces.
- Running: Hedgehogs can run at a moderate speed when necessary, although they are not known for their speed.
2. Rolling into a Ball (self-defense mechanism):
- Defense: When threatened, hedgehogs curl into a tight ball, exposing only their prickly spines to potential predators. This behavior is a unique defense mechanism that protects their vulnerable belly and other body parts.
- Muscle Control: Hedgehogs have specialized muscles that allow them to quickly roll up into a ball and unroll when the danger has passed.
3. Swimming:
- Water Navigation: Some hedgehog species, such as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), are capable swimmers. They can use their legs and tail to propel themselves in water when crossing streams or rivers.
4. Climbing:
- Vertical Movement: Hedgehogs have good climbing abilities and can scale low walls, fences, and other obstacles using their sharp claws.
5. Burrowing:
- Habitat Creation: Some hedgehog species, like the desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus), are excellent burrowers. They construct burrows in the ground for shelter, protection from extreme weather, and nesting during hibernation or raising young.
6. Hibernation (some species):
- Winter Survival: During colder seasons, certain hedgehog species enter a state of hibernation to survive the harsh conditions. They reduce their metabolic rate and body temperature, conserving energy and relying on stored fat reserves to sustain themselves.