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its a hog day


its a hog day
Photo Information
Copyright: Sue Rickhuss (snaphappy) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 158 W: 21 N: 232] (1928)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-08
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Olympus C-5050z
Exposure: f/4, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-08-13 10:59
Viewed: 849
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
an ordinary trek into the woods this young hedgehog crossed our path but froze mid step and did not move an inch until i had finished the photo shoot. usually they curl up when so close.
When a hedgehog rolls itself into a spiny ball, there are few predators who will attempt to bother the hedgehog further. However, that is not to say that the hedgehog lives a protected life... far from it. It has been reported recently that the number of wild hedgehogs is on the decrease over the whole of the UK.

It has been noted that the adult hedgehog has a degree of immunity against snake bite poison. This could well be a throwback to earlier times in the UK when poisonous snakes such as the adder were more common.

Aside from snakes, hedgehogs can be the target of badgers, foxes, owls, eagles and polecats. All will kill the odd one or two for food, although none have the hedgehog as it's staple diet. The badger in particular has claws which are long enough to reach past the defences of hedgehogs, particularly young ones.
By far the largest killer of hedgehogs in the UK it seems nowadays, is man and his machinery. Most people will see dead hedgehogs on the roads of the UK and this is very common, particularly during the summer when hedgehogs are more active. The natural instinct of a hedgehog on a road, when approached by a car's headlights, is to curl up. This is no defence, however, against the car following behind the lights... It is estimated that somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 are killed on the UK's roads each year.

Death on the roads, is not the only man-made danger that hedgehogs have to negotiate. Falling into cattle grids, pesticides - including slug pellets, mowers and strimmers, litter for the hedgehog to get stuck in (especially tin cans) and the reduction of the natural habitat are also contributors to the decline of the hedgehog.

With the increase in farm sizes over the last 50 years and the increase in urban building, the countryside hedgerows have decreased. With this decrease, the habitat and food supply of the hedgehog slowly decreases.
nglen, Alex99, CatherineD, CeltickRanger, Evelynn, Janice, Chaga has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2926 W: 34 N: 8678] (32334)
  • [2008-08-13 11:12]

Hi Sue . Interesting notes on the Hedgehog. Your picture shows a young one which often dont roll up so quick . you have good detail in the spines with natural colours. well done TFs.
Nick..

Hello Sue,
Very cute young hedgehog, with nice details and perfect composition. Interesting note too. TFS,
Catherine

hello Sue

excellent close-up shot of this young hedgehog,
with beautiful luminosity of the image, also beautiful
catch-light at his eye, and superb sharpness and details, TFS

Asbed

What a nice close, full frame shot of this cute hedgehog. They are always so endearing. Wonderful sharpness and details.

TFS
Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3604 W: 143 N: 5699] (18633)
  • [2008-08-14 0:56]

Hi Sue.
I am amazed with your perfect shot of the beauty. I have met this animal few times this summer and I managed to take some shots. However, yours are better. You managed to take it without grass on it and reflected all charming features of the animal brilliantly. Great sharpness, details, colours and very impressive lights. Bravo and TFS.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2008-08-14 1:16]

We were told that if you see a hedgehog out in the daytime it usually means it isn't well. And the fact that it didn't roll itself into a ball may mean that.
I haven't seen any for a long time around here, and it is good to see this one Sue.
TFS
JAnice

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