Woman Adopts ‘Vampire Hedgehog’, Becomes Instagram Famous in 3 Months
By Laura Dang
Sir Hodge Huffington the Cricket Slayer, otherwise known as Huff, is a 3-year-old rescue African Pygmy hedgehog that resides in Utah with her owner Carolyn Parker.
Huff is distinguishable from many other hedgehogs by his conspicuous fangs that resembles that of a vampire’s. His endearing photos on Instagram have won the hearts of his nearly 23,000 followers.
Parker found Huff at Quill Berry Hedgehogs pet breeder in Utah. She was informed that Huff had been treated poorly by a previous owner and given to Quill Berry. Parker told Huffington Post:
“His previous owner kept him for a year and rarely socialized or handled him. And only fed him apples. Now he is handled every day and is a lot healthier and in a much better mood.”
“A lot of people in Utah struggle with seasonal depression — including myself. I started the account because I wanted to share something that made me happy with other people. Huff comes off as being grumpy and ‘huffy’ but is really lovable and cuddly on the inside. I think that’s why there is such a large fan base for hedgehogs … because a lot of people can relate.
“I think that Huff likes being photographed because he always gets wax worms out of it.
“I did my research before deciding to adopt him, but I am glad I did.
“He’s brought a lot of extra happiness in my life.”
Hedgehogs earned their name from their foraging methods and the pig-like grunts and squeals they make. They root through hedges and undergrowth to feed on small creatures such as insects, worms, centipedes and snails.
Found in the wild in Africa, the African pygmy has been bred in North America as “domesticated pets.”
They make sweet and loving pets when socialized with people. Hedgehogs will recognize their owner’s voice, scent and appearance if owners spend enough time interacting with their pets.
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