#hedgehoggery

☆ !!! (Your synesthesia is so cool to me)

More than any other wild animal on the planet, the hedgehog lends itself to being cared for by people. This is down to two, or arguably three, key characteristics. First, they tend to live as natural neighbours, inhabiting suburban gardens and being unmissable when seen. Second, they tolerate attention. A hedgehog's reaction to human presence and intervention is unlike most other species; they do not run and they do not attack. They are by nature defensive, and this tendency allows initial contact between themselves and other species. And many hedgehogs, when they have become accustomed to contact, will then allow fairly intimate examination and, if needed, medical care. Third, they are, in part because of these other two characteristics, much loved.