A hedgehog is a small, nocturnal mammal belonging to the subfamily Erinaceinae, recognizable by the stiff, sharp spines covering its back. These animals are primarily insectivorous, though their diet is omnivorous, including snails, frogs, eggs, and various plant matter. When threatened by a predator, the hedgehog’s defense mechanism is to curl into a tight, prickly ball, using a powerful muscle to draw its head, limbs, and soft underside into the protective armor of its spines.
The Definitive Answer: Wild Populations
Hedgehogs do not have any naturally occurring, established wild populations anywhere in North America. The continent’s ecosystem evolved without this particular spiny mammal, meaning there are no native species ranging from Canada down to Mexico. Any hedgehog encountered outside of a home setting is an escaped or abandoned pet. These isolated individuals rarely survive long enough to establish a permanent, breeding population due to the lack of suitable habitat and the presence of numerous predators they are not adapted to evade.
The Hedgehog’s Native Habitat
The 17 species of hedgehogs are found exclusively across the Old World, with native ranges spanning three continents. Their distribution extends across much of Europe and into Central Asia, where species like the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) thrive in hedgerows, woodlands, and suburban gardens. Further south, various species inhabit Africa, including the Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), which is adapted to warmer, drier climates and is often smaller than its European relatives.
Domesticated Hedgehogs in North America
The primary reason for the presence of hedgehogs in the United States and Canada is the exotic pet trade. The animal most commonly kept as a companion is the African Pygmy Hedgehog, which is a domesticated hybrid primarily derived from the Four-toed Hedgehog and the North African Hedgehog. These small mammals are popular exotic pets because they are relatively quiet, do not take up much space, and can be socialized with consistent handling. However, their ownership is subject to a complex patchwork of state and local regulations across North America.
Several jurisdictions have outright bans on hedgehog ownership, including US states like California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania, as well as New York City. Other areas, such as New Jersey and Wisconsin, require owners to obtain a special permit for possession or importation, often due to concerns about the potential for the animals to carry pathogens like Salmonella or the risk of establishing feral populations. The varying legality requires prospective owners to check with their local departments of fish and wildlife before acquiring a pet.
Animals Often Confused With Hedgehogs
The creature most frequently mistaken for a hedgehog in North America is the North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), which is the only mammal on the continent naturally covered in quills. Despite their similar spiky appearance, the two animals are not closely related; the porcupine is a rodent, while the hedgehog is an insectivore. They differ significantly in size, as a hedgehog weighs only a few ounces and can fit in a person’s hand, while the porcupine is a robust animal that can weigh up to 28 pounds and reach over 30 inches in length.
The hedgehog’s shorter spines are smooth and non-barbed and remain firmly attached to the body; the animal relies on rolling into a ball for defense. In contrast, the porcupine’s longer quills are tipped with microscopic barbs and detach easily upon contact, embedding themselves into a predator’s skin. The porcupine uses its tail to swipe at attackers, whereas the hedgehog’s defense is purely passive, presenting a tightly curled shield of spines.