Wild hedgehogs are not native to North America, so the answer to whether they exist in the United States is definitively no. Any hedgehog encountered here is either a domestic pet or an escaped individual from the exotic pet trade. They do not form self-sustaining, naturally occurring populations in the wild. This lack of a native presence is why they are classified as exotic animals, which heavily influences their legal status across the country.
Native Range and Global Species
Hedgehogs naturally inhabit Europe, Asia, and Africa, where they have evolved to fill diverse ecological niches. The genus Erinaceus includes the European hedgehog, one of the most widespread species across Europe and parts of Asia. Other species, such as the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus), are prevalent in the arid regions of Central Asia and North Africa.
The US lacks the native habitat and evolutionary context to support these species. These animals are insectivores, adapted to environments providing a consistent supply of invertebrates, slugs, and snails. They are found in a variety of habitats globally, from grasslands and woodlands to suburban gardens.
Hedgehogs as Exotic Pets
The species most commonly found in American homes is the African Pygmy Hedgehog, a domesticated hybrid derived primarily from the White-bellied Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). This species became popular in the US starting in the late 20th century as an appealing “pocket pet.” Weighing between 250 and 600 grams, their small size makes them manageable for indoor housing.
These hedgehogs are nocturnal and solitary, spending their days sleeping and becoming active at night to forage and exercise. Their temperament can range from shy to relatively tame, depending on early handling and socialization. Their popularity stems from their unique appearance and relatively low-odor nature, though they require specific care, including a warm environment to prevent fatal hibernation.
State and Local Ownership Regulations
The legality of owning a hedgehog in the United States is decided by individual states and local municipalities, not federal law. This creates a patchwork of regulations where ownership is permitted in most states but explicitly banned in several key areas. Bans are often enacted due to concerns that non-native species could become invasive if released, potentially disrupting local ecosystems.
States that prohibit ownership include California, Hawaii, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, which regulate the possession of non-native wildlife. Hawaii’s strict bio-security laws, for example, ban nearly all non-native animals to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. Beyond state restrictions, major cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., have also implemented bans.
Disease Transmission and Local Ordinances
A second major concern driving these regulations is the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria without showing symptoms, posing a public health risk. Individuals considering ownership must check both state wildlife department regulations and local city or county ordinances. A legal status at the state level does not guarantee legality within a specific municipality. Some areas, like Pennsylvania, may require specific permits or only allow licensed breeders to possess the animals.