Reading - Group 2

Hedgehogs can be found almost anywhere in New Zealand. They live in cities, towns, parks and gardens. They were introduced to New Zealand in the 1870s.

What Do They Look Like?

Hedgehogs are small, spiky animals. Their babies are called hoglets. Adult hedgehogs have long spines along their backs and sides. Most adult hedgehogs have about 5000 spines

What Do They Eat?

Hedgehogs mostly eat pests and small animals. Some gardeners like them because hedgehogs help to protect plants by eating pests such as slugs and caterpillars. If you want a hedgehog to visit your garden, you could leave a small saucer of cat or dog food out – hedgehogs like the meat. Make sure that you leave a saucer of water out too, especially in summer. Don’t leave milk out for them as milk can make hedgehogs very sick.

Hedgehog Habits

Hedgehogs visit a lot of gardens. You could have lots of different hedgehogs passing through your garden! They are very nosey animals, and they sometimes need rescuing from getting their heads stuck in empty yoghurt pots, tins and plastic cups. When a hedgehog feels scared, it will roll itself up into a ball so that its spikes will frighten off its enemies.

As a Threat

Hedgehogs eat some endangered native species such as wētā. They also eat the eggs and chicks of native birds. Hedgehogs can sometimes carry diseases. They can spread these to other animals and humans.

Did You Know?

• Hedgehogs sleep through the winter. This is called hibernation.

• Hedgehogs find food by using their sense of smell.

• Hedgehogs make a snuffling sound as they move about. You might hear a hedgehog before you see it.

1. Name two places hedgehogs can live

2. What are hoglets?

3. Why do some gardeners like hedgehogs?

4. When might a hedgehog need rescuing?

5. What might a hedgehog eat that could make them sick?

6. What does a hedgehog do when it is scared?

⃞ Run away

⃞ Bite and scratch

⃞ Roll into a ball