Milo’s Midnight Mission

Milo was a little hedgehog who lived in a hollow log on the edge of Meadow Grove. With his tiny feet, sharp nose, and spiky back, he was perfectly designed for his favorite activity: foraging. Hedgehogs like Milo were known for their nocturnal habits, which meant he spent his nights exploring the meadow for food while most of the other animals were fast asleep.

One cool, starlit evening, Milo’s tummy rumbled. “Time for a midnight snack,” he said to himself. He stretched his stubby legs, gave a little snuffle, and set out into the darkness.

Hedgehogs have an incredible sense of smell, and Milo was no exception. His nose twitched as he picked up the faint scent of something delicious—a patch of juicy, ripe blackberries. Following the aroma, he waddled across the meadow, his quills rustling softly as he moved.

Along the way, Milo came across a fallen log covered in moss. He paused to investigate. Hedgehogs are insectivores, which means they primarily eat bugs, though they’re also happy to munch on fruits and other small snacks. Milo’s nose detected the telltale movement of beetles hiding beneath the log. With a quick poke of his snout, he uncovered a feast of shiny black beetles.

“Don’t mind if I do,” Milo said, chomping on a couple of beetles. They were crunchy and full of protein, just what a growing hedgehog needed.

But Milo didn’t linger. The scent of blackberries still called to him, and he wasn’t about to miss out. He trotted along, avoiding the sharp claws of an owl who swooped down for a closer look. Hedgehogs, however, are well-equipped to defend themselves. When threatened, they roll into a tight ball, their quills sticking out in all directions like a miniature fortress.

Thankfully, the owl lost interest, and Milo continued his journey. After a few more minutes of sniffing and scurrying, he found the blackberry patch. The berries glistened in the moonlight, and Milo wasted no time nibbling on the sweet fruit.

Hedgehogs like Milo have a special adaptation that allows them to eat foods many other animals avoid. For example, Milo could even eat slugs and snails without trouble, thanks to his hardy stomach. Though tonight, the blackberries were far more appealing.

As Milo ate his fill, he noticed a group of small caterpillars inching toward the berries. “Don’t worry,” he said, “there’s enough for everyone.”

Satisfied and full, Milo waddled back to his log. The stars were beginning to fade, signaling that dawn was near. Hedgehogs needed to rest during the day to avoid predators, so Milo curled up in his nest, tucking his nose beneath his spiny back.

Before drifting off to sleep, he thought about his adventure. Hedgehogs may be small, but they are resourceful, adaptable, and perfectly built for life in the wild. As Milo’s eyelids grew heavy, he whispered to himself, “Another successful midnight mission.”

And with that, the little hedgehog drifted into peaceful dreams, ready for the adventures of another night.