Hedgehog Day 2024: February 2nd is Hedgehog Day, which is often overlooked in favor of Groundhog Day. Indeed, a distinction exists. You know those adorable, tiny happy balls that have gone viral on social media? We have hedgehogs on the brain! These adorable newborns have become so well-known on Instagram that a whole day is now set aside to honor them. Want to keep one as a pet? That is a difficult topic. Continue reading to find out what it’s like to have one of these adorable animals live with you.
Hedgehog Day History
The Roman holiday of National Hedgehog Day served as the model for modern “Groundhog Day.” Although groundhogs are native to North America, other creatures, such as hedgehogs, have been utilized in Europe to help anticipate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Other European folklore, especially in Ireland, carries on the ancient Roman heritage. In the past, seeing a hedgehog at the beginning of February was believed to portend favorable weather and warmer days; on the other hand, if they were nowhere to be found, winter would undoubtedly last for several more weeks.
In retrospect, considering that hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to the middle of March, this approach to weather forecasting may not have been that accurate! Hedgehogs do, however, occasionally come out of hibernation during these months to relocate their breeding places; therefore, any weather observers from earlier times most likely observed hedgehogs only moving to continue their hibernation.
For these animals, hibernating is a dangerous activity. Regretfully, approximately two-thirds of hedgehogs will perish during their first winter, particularly in cases where food has been in short supply. They must save up on food before winter to last them till spring, as their body temperature, respiration, and heart rate drop significantly (to as little as two beats per minute).
The US release date of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 1994 coincided with National Hedgehog Day. There are many well-known hedgehogs in popular culture, but Sonic is arguably the most well-known because he is the quickest of them all. This electric blue figure has appeared in several Japanese video games in addition to having his own film. Another well-known hedgehog who also happens to be a very skilled laundry person is Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, a creation of British children’s novelist Beatrix Potter. Hedgehogs have also been well-liked throughout history, whether they are the topic of tales and poetry, revered as holy animals, or believed to have important therapeutic properties.
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Activities for Hedgehog Day
Examine its shadow.
If you happen to have a hedgehog, observe its shadow.
Give your hedgehog its preferred snack.
They adore fruits, veggies, grilled meats, and insects.
Take in a hedgehog for yourself.
Even though they’re not legal in your state, make sure you can take good care of one if you want one. Not everyone can pull this off.
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Four reasons to adore owning a hedgehog
- feisty, shy, content, and happy. Like other pets, hedgehogs will tell you when they’re unhappy.
- These tiny animals only need food, drink, warmth, and love.
- For those who are generally prone to dander allergies, hedgehogs are excellent pets because of their minimal dander production.
- Although it’s not a good idea to leave your tiny hedgehog alone all the time, they won’t become melancholy if you have to spend the day at work. Just make sure you spend as much time as possible with them.
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The Reasons We Adore Hedgehog Day
Groundhogs were first and foremost hedgehogs.
Before groundhogs, people employed hedgehogs to predict the arrival of spring. Hedgehogs are to be thanked for Groundhog Day, then.
One is possible for you to keep as a pet.
Depending on where you reside, yes. Not all places allow them. The benefit? They are so cute. They’re also silent. They typically simply produce a cute purring sound. However, because hedgehogs are not your usual home pet, owning one requires commitment and care. Don’t forget to conduct research!
How adorable are hedgehogs?
Social internet has voted and hedgehogs might make you famous on Instagram.
HEDGEHOG DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 2 | Wednesday |
