Are Hedghogs Dangerous To Humans?
Hedgehogs are a type of small mammal that live in the wild and can be kept as domesticated pets. Many people find these creatures endearing due to their prickly appearance and “cute” nature. But is there any risk to humans when in contact with hedgehogs?
Diseases
Hedgehogs can carry parasites and illnesses that can be transmitted to humans, such as:
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- Salmonella – a bacterium that can result in diarrhoea, severe cramps and fever.
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- Encephalitozoon cuniculi – a microscopic parasite that can lead to neurological disorders in humans.
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- Ringworm – a fungi that causes skin rashes.
When interacting with a hedgehog, it’s important to always wash your hands afterwards to avoid any risk.
Spines
Hedgehogs’ spines are there to protect them from predators, but they can also be a hazard to humans. They aren’t particularly sharp, but they can easily cause a scratch or puncture wound if handled incorrectly.
In order to minimise the risk, it’s important to not handle the hedgehog too roughly and to put them back in their enclosure when finished.
Injury
For the most part, hedgehogs won’t attack humans unless they feel extreme threat from us. Even if they dotry to “bite”, the force of their jaw isn’t strong enough to cause damage.
It’s important to be cautious when handling a hedgehog and to only do so if you know what you’re doing – especially if you’re a beginner.
Conclusion
Overall, hedgehogs are generally not dangerous to humans, but there are some risks associated with interacting with them. The key thing to remember is to always wash your hands afterward and to handle them with care.
