Powerful legs and strong claws make hedgehogs expert diggers. Adults weight from 250 to 600 grams. Found in deserts and arid regions of Africa, hedgehogs build burrows lined with leaves or dry grass, usually under a bush or among tree roots. Nocturnal insectivores, hedgehogs' primary food sources are insects,worms, snails, slugs, roots and fruit. Hunting on and off during the night, they use their sense of smell to probe grass and ground litter for food.
Hedgehogs make a variety of vocalizations including squeals, grunts, snuffling and even sneezing.
In northern climates, hedgehogs spend winters hibernating in their burrows. In the warmer south, they may not hibernate at all. Hibernation is dictated by climatic conditions and to a species trait. Rubbing this mixture into their spines, an accumulation of secretions apparently creates toxins which inflicts even more damage to potential attackers. Another hedgehog defense is to roll into a tight ball, presenting an array of quills to predators.