Encounters with hedgehogs in the wild generally evoke only positive emotions, but this does not change the fact that it is important to remain vigilant when in contact with them.
One of the dangers that is worth mentioning first is the risk of contracting rabies.
By the way, don't think that the virus is transmitted exclusively through a bite. Sometimes it's enough to stroke the hedgehog's spines, where its saliva remains, and then rub its eyes with the same hands.
Excessive salivation is one of the characteristic signs of rabies, but sometimes the disease occurs in a latent form.
That's not all - having a hedgehog nearby increases your chances of being bitten by a tick.
Because of the smoothness of hedgehog needles, ticks often slip off them without having time to attach to the skin. Thus, these animals are a kind of "carriers" of blood-sucking parasites.
In addition to ticks, cute hedgehogs (obviously not of their own free will) carry fleas, and due to the structure of the animal's needles, you are unlikely to be able to treat it with an insecticide.
And the cherry on top: do not feed your hedgehogs food from the same bowls that your pets eat from, to avoid the risk of worms or intestinal infections.
Earlier we listed 6 calm dog breeds .
