Hedgehogs
Our guide to the best sites on the spiny mammals that are facing a huge cull in the Outer Hebrides.
1. Hedgehogs have boomed in numbers since they were introduced to the Uist isles in the Outer Hebrides in 1974 to help control pests in islanders' gardens. So much so, in fact, that the board of Scottish Natural Heritage has now sanctioned the slaughter of 5,000 of them in a bid to help preserve rare native birds, provoking outrage among animal welfare groups.
2. Though hedgehogs are covered in spines and ridden with fleas, they are much loved in Britain, particularly since the famous children's author Beatrix Potter wrote the Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in 1905.
3. Hedgehogs have long inspired stories and were even worshipped by some cultures, including the ancient Egyptians. In rural England it was long believed that hedgehogs sucked milk from the udders of recumbent cows and vets have reported wounds on cows' udders which could have been caused by hedgehogs' teeth.
4. Although some hedgehogs are too prickly to domesticate, some of the rarer breeds have become cult pets across the world - and in the US are even entered in talent and beauty pageants.
5. In the 1990s, the slug-eating critters received a manga-style makeover thanks to Nintendo's Sonic the Hedgehog. But Beatrix Potter would probably have preferred the whimsical adventures of the award-winning Russian animator Yuri Norstein's Hedgehog in the Fog.
6. How do hedgehogs make love? You might well ask, and the answer is - carefully. The hedgehog's love life has often been a source of humour, with Ricky Gervais, star of The Office, the latest to poke fun at their sexual habits. However, this footage suggests they are randier than their reputation suggests.
7. Traffic is the main threat to the hedgehog, which has led to the mammal being adopted as the mascot for road safety campaigns.
8. Anyone who comes across a wounded hedgehog might be surprised to learn that they are fans of homeopathic medicine.
9. Those not concerned with animal welfare might prefer to try some roadkill recipes. But be warned, as roadkill deteriorates rapidly on hot Tarmac, choose only fresh meat that has not been picked over by birds or attracted flies.
10. This chocolate cake sounds rather more palatable. Although those in search of more original flavours might want to check this out.
1. Hedgehogs have boomed in numbers since they were introduced to the Uist isles in the Outer Hebrides in 1974 to help control pests in islanders' gardens. So much so, in fact, that the board of Scottish Natural Heritage has now sanctioned the slaughter of 5,000 of them in a bid to help preserve rare native birds, provoking outrage among animal welfare groups.
2. Though hedgehogs are covered in spines and ridden with fleas, they are much loved in Britain, particularly since the famous children's author Beatrix Potter wrote the Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in 1905.
3. Hedgehogs have long inspired stories and were even worshipped by some cultures, including the ancient Egyptians. In rural England it was long believed that hedgehogs sucked milk from the udders of recumbent cows and vets have reported wounds on cows' udders which could have been caused by hedgehogs' teeth.
4. Although some hedgehogs are too prickly to domesticate, some of the rarer breeds have become cult pets across the world - and in the US are even entered in talent and beauty pageants.
5. In the 1990s, the slug-eating critters received a manga-style makeover thanks to Nintendo's Sonic the Hedgehog. But Beatrix Potter would probably have preferred the whimsical adventures of the award-winning Russian animator Yuri Norstein's Hedgehog in the Fog.
6. How do hedgehogs make love? You might well ask, and the answer is - carefully. The hedgehog's love life has often been a source of humour, with Ricky Gervais, star of The Office, the latest to poke fun at their sexual habits. However, this footage suggests they are randier than their reputation suggests.
7. Traffic is the main threat to the hedgehog, which has led to the mammal being adopted as the mascot for road safety campaigns.
8. Anyone who comes across a wounded hedgehog might be surprised to learn that they are fans of homeopathic medicine.
9. Those not concerned with animal welfare might prefer to try some roadkill recipes. But be warned, as roadkill deteriorates rapidly on hot Tarmac, choose only fresh meat that has not been picked over by birds or attracted flies.
10. This chocolate cake sounds rather more palatable. Although those in search of more original flavours might want to check this out.
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