That hedgehog is one queer animal.

Most especially since almost everyone is no expert on the subject of Zoology. You could also count the fact that the only hedgehog that many of us are familiar with is a blue furred (or spined), fast running game character who hailed way back from the old Sega days that we find them rather different from what we expected. Funny, seeing a hedgehog colored blue, spinning and bouncing on springs while all the time it had been this small animal with a thousand spines with no indication whatsoever that it can run at sonic speed.

(disclaimer: I don't own this blue guy. I wish I do

but sadly Sega owns him. Or so I think?)

But are hedgehogs really fast? No of course not. Judging by their appearance, I say they’re very refined—timid to be precise. I daresay this because of a story that I heard about a hedgehog and his dilemma.

Once there was a hedgehog in the clearing of the forest who did not wish for anything but to befriend every animal there. He tried to get close to the bunny but the bunny screamed “Ouch!” as the hedgehog’s spines touched the bunny’s body. The hedgehog withdrew and wandered along until he saw a deer. He attempted yet another close communication but as soon as he neared the deer’s hooves, the deer jerked its legs and let out a sudden yelp of pain. He tried to get close to every animal but the same thing happened—they all just got hurt. The hedgehog, losing hope, sat against a tree. As soon as his body touched the trunk, he squelched a cry of pain, as his own spines bore onto him, stinging every part of his body. He looked at his surroundings. The deer was licking his leg where the hedgehog’s spine came in contact with. “They’re lucky they can lick their wounds.” With that, he satisfied himself on the grass as he realized his dilemma.

I don't think Zoology's the best science to understand hedgehogs...