It’s the biggest hedgehog I’ve ever seen. Fully one and a half times the size of a regular serving of hedgehog. And since hedgehog is usually served after dark, I let it stay somewhere in my garage through the daytime. I figured a couple of hours after sunset was enough time for even a very nervous hedgehog to relax and start exploring its environment for cupcakes and licorice, or whatever it is that hedgehogs eat. Not that this is a very nervous hedgehog - it was investigating one of Ari’s cymbals when I turned the light on.
I was taught from a young age not to pick up a hedgehog. Apart from the obvious problem of excessive pointedness, they are reputed to be riddled with unpleasant disease. Although obviously not wasting disease in this particular hedgehog. So I encouraged it gently with a broom in the direction of the outside world, and it eventually got the hint and toddled off into the garden.
So if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, or know somebody in a similar situation, there’s an encouraging happy tale of successful hedgehog wrangling. You too could have such marvellous control over small sharp creatures, if your heart is true and you believe in yourself.