Also known as a furze-pig, urchin or hedgepig
Your collective name is an array or prickle – how apt!
To me you are one of the cutest animals in the land
Born blind but soon you open beady black eyes
Your little snout pokes out and helps you forage
You love to eat worms, caterpillars and snails
Sometimes a tasty frog, baby bird or eggs
Your body is covered in defensive prickly spines
These are prone to fleas, oh that would make me itch!
Curling into a ball at the first sign of danger
Badgers, foxes and owls are your main predators
How I love the autumn, I find you nestled in the hedgerows
You sleep until you come out to play at night
Sometimes I wish I was like you and could hibernate
Sleep though the cold dull dreary dark winter days
You communicate by squealing, grunting and snuffling …
(I wonder… are all hedgehogs male!)
Sadly you are not very adept at crossing the road
I often see you as road kill and that makes me sad
09~29~14
Contest: Animal Poem
Sponsor: Regina Riddle
~awarded 3rd Place ~
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