Do hedgehogs bite if handled?

Question

I was watching a wildlife program and this woman just casually handled 4 baby hedgehogs

Do adult hedgehogs bite if handled?

Answer 1

Yes! Hedgehogs can bite (though rarely) – their main defence is their spines.

Answer 2

I have handled hedgehogs several times in the past and I was never bitten. However they roll into a ball making it very difficult to handle them. Once they relax though the have a soft furry underside and are quite gentle.

They are supposed to be covered in fleas - but again, I have never had any flea bites either.

Maybe I'm just lucky :-)

Answer 3

No not really. They will roll up into a ball and extend their quills but they won't bite.

Answer 4

Noooo! Mind out for the fleas though.

Answer 5

no they don't, they roll up into little balls.  Their prickles are their main form of defence.  I used to volunteer at a wildlife centre and picked up many hedgehogs.  With gardening gloves on!

Answer 6

Not sure, but they might just prick : )

Answer 7

No,  but you may get bitten by the fleas they carry. Their defense are their prickles.