大象传媒

Hedgehogs are immune to many poisons and even have a taste for noxious substances such as creosote. They're substance abuse is harmless, but it provokes a peculiar reaction, contorting their body and licking saliva on to their spines. Discarded cigarettes are another popular stimulant producing the same effect. Why hedgehogs perform this bizarre ritual is a mystery, but self anointing is triggered by any pungent taste. Perhaps this spittle cleans spines that are difficult to groom and when mixed with a noxious stimulant it might also deter parasites. Nicotine is the tobacco plant's natural insecticide. Human addiction is an accidental effect of this powerful chemical.