March Mammal Madness

By Cyanne Cueva

Image credit is Nicolas Zea P, Creative Commons

Special to The Enterprise

It is not uncommon for video games and other media to take inspiration from real world animals when building their characters. Take for instance Crash Bandicoot and Sonic the Hedgehog; two small mammals who became the spinning heroes of their worlds. This year, Arizona State University’s (A.S.U.) March Mammal Madness tournament bracket includes both the bandicoot and hedgehog, with some potential for them to face off. However, which of these character inspiring critters seems most likely to move forward to the next round of the tournament of hypotheticals?

Hedgehogs are small omnivores that are typically found throughout Europe, Asia, and

Africa. They can vary in size from 14 - 30 cm in body length, can weigh as much as 1.1 kg, and are capable of running at bursts up to 6 mph. Their backs are covered in 2 - 3 cm long spines, which they use as defense against predators. Hedgehogs will roll into a spiny ball when they feel threatened or while sleeping during the day to remain as unappetizing as possible until they wake up for night-time foraging. During mating season, male hogs will start fights to impress nearby females. They typically push each other around while barking without causing much harm to their opponents before walking away as if nothing ever happened.

            Bandicoots are omnivorous marsupials that are native to Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and other surrounding islands. They can move as fast as 15 mph and range from 28 - 81 cm in body length, while weighing anywhere from 0.2 - 1.6 kg. Bandicoots' primary method of defense is to run away and hide or use their strong hind legs to jump about 6 ft in the air to escape. They also have sharp claws that allow them to dig holes for their nests and search for food underground. Bandicoots are also considered to be aggressive and territorial. They will often make a lot of noise, such as hissing and squeaking, to scare away intruders. Unfortunately, due to predation by feral cats and foxes, the use of pesticides, and habitat loss some species of bandicoots are considered vulnerable or endangered. However, previous conservation efforts in Australia have brought some species back from extinction status to endangered.

While bandicoots seem to have the advantages of size and sharp claws, a hedgehog’s spiny defense mechanisms could be effective enough to deter an attack. Nonetheless, it is very unlikely that these animals would encounter each other in the wild.

Upcoming Events at Explorit:

•      Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.

•      “Mad Hatter Tea Party”. Delight in a reading of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Sip tea and savor sweet treats. Each child takes home a gift bag to remind them of this unforgettable day. Three seatings available, $5 for Members/$15 Non-Members, includes admission to Explorit’s “Blast Off!” exhibit. For more information and registration visit https://www.explorit.org/.

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•      Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals, Dynamic Dinosaurs, and Blast Off! Space. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.