Hedgehogs are one of the more numerous of the spiny critters to be found in the world. And are certainly one of the more common animals in and around Mlada Boleslav. The ones I've seen scurry on the tips of their toes, like a rat that has been to deportment classes, albeit an incredibly well armoured one.

No, they are not related to rats. Hedgehogs are part of that large group of mammals called insectivores which includes shrews, moles and solendons, whatever they are. Apparently, this order is considered to be 'primitive' because they have a flat brain and only one opening for their anus and urinary tract.

Perhaps the most interesting facts about hedgehogs (apart from the fact they are considered a delicacy by the Roma people), is that they 'anoint' themselves. Simply, they lick themselves after chewing on toxic plants, to which they themselves are immune, in order to further deter predators. Thousands of sharp spines apparently not being sufficient. According to some articles, hedgehogs have have been seen doing the same with cigarette butts and toad skins. I have not read whether the anointing affects the taste of the hedgehog.

Late Breaking News: I just saw a hedgehog on the way to the school office. The little guy was foraging on the cobblestone road, so I thought I might be able to chase him off, knowing that I couldn't pick him up. Those spines are very nasty looking. When I tried to gently coax him with my foot, I saw his defence mechanism in action. He didn't role into a ball, instead the spines came over his head as though attached to a hood of flesh. Worried that I may have imperilled my little friend I left, and no sooner was I away from him, the hood came off and he scurried to safety behind a bin.