In ancient Egypt, people thought hedgehogswere special. They believed hedgehogs could protect homes and even bring good luck because they slept through winter and woke up again in spring, like a new beginning.
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
In parts of China, people believed hedgehogs were magical spirits that could shift their shapes into human form and bring misfortune. Later traditions, however, thought they were sacred household protectors and healers.
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
Others thought hedgehogs stole milk from cows! This wasn’t true at all!
Maybe that’s why people still offer them milk, despite the fact that hedgehogs may have a stomachache from drinking milk 🥛.
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
Another belief was that hedgehogs carried stolen fruit on their spines. Medieval illustrations often showed them sneaking through orchards with apples skewered on their backs, an image that still appears in children’s books today.
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
During the Middle Ages in Europe, people believed witches could turn into hedgehogs to cause harm and mischief.
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
Because of these scary stories, hedgehogs were hunted or chased away for almost 140 years!
As time passed, people began learning more about nature. They discovered that hedgehogs are actually gentle animals that eat insects, help gardens stay healthy, and don’t harm people.
Today, many people love hedgehogs. In 2016, in the UK, they were voted Britain’s favourite mammal. People try to protect them. Some build little shelters in their gardens, leave fresh water for them, and make sure they stay safe.
And now we learned something important:
Stories can change how we see animals. When we learn the truth and show kindness, we can help protect the wonderful creatures that share our world. Hedgehogs are awesome!
photo by Olga Zhestkova AI
Game “Spot the Difference”
Find 5 differences
Hold your mobile device horizontally for a better view
Let’s play – Activity ideas
Hedgehog Kindness Campaign Poster
Recommended age: 5 – 10 y.o.
Design a “Hedgehog Kindness Campaign” poster. The poster should include the true, positive facts about hedgehogs (they eat insects, help gardens) and a simple rule for how to protect them (e.g., build a shelter, leave fresh water). Share your poster on a park notice board.
Hedgehog Home Builders
Recommended age: 5 – 10 y.o.
Design or build a miniature “Hedgehog Hideaway” using materials like shoeboxes, twigs and leaves.
“What I Wish I Was” Shape-Shift Drawing
Recommended age: 5 – 10 y.o.
As in the Chinese myth that hedgehogs could “shift their shapes,” draw a picture of what shape and form you would take (an object, a human, another animal, or a magical creature), if you were a magical hedgehog
