Hedgehogs are not native to the United States, and there are no established wild populations roaming the continent. Any hedgehog encountered in the US is present only as an exotic pet. This distinction between wild and captive populations defines the hedgehog’s presence in America, where ownership is regulated and the animals originate from other continents.
Why No Wild Hedgehogs Roam the US
The absence of wild hedgehogs in North America is due to biogeography and climate, as the continent is outside their natural distribution. The approximately 17 species of hedgehog are indigenous only to Europe, Africa, and Asia, having never naturally crossed the Atlantic Ocean. A native hedgehog species did once exist in North America but went extinct millions of years ago.
The climates and ecosystems of the US are not naturally conducive to supporting self-sustaining populations. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) rely on hibernation, while African species are adapted to warmer, drier conditions. They cannot survive the prolonged cold of many US winters. For a species to become successfully established, it requires an environment that meets its needs for food, shelter, and breeding across a large geographic area.
This biological barrier is significant, which is why escaped pets have not led to an invasive problem in the US, unlike in some other countries. Hedgehogs introduced to New Zealand, for instance, became an invasive species, lacking natural predators and preying on native insects, snails, and ground-nesting birds. The lack of a similar established feral population in the US confirms that the country’s diverse environments do not readily support the survival and reproduction of released hedgehogs.
The Species Kept as Pets in America
The hedgehogs kept as companion animals in the United States are almost exclusively the African Pygmy Hedgehog. This animal first became available in the pet trade around the 1980s. It is not a distinct wild species but a domesticated hybrid developed from two African species: the White-bellied or Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus).
These hybrids are much smaller than the wild European hedgehog, typically weighing between 250 to 600 grams and measuring about 21 centimeters in length. The African Pygmy Hedgehog was specifically bred for domestication, making it more docile and tolerant of handling. They require a stable environment with temperatures maintained between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Since they are not true hibernators, they can become fatally ill if exposed to cold temperatures that induce an artificial hibernation state.
The species is known for its insectivorous diet, requiring high protein and low fat. This often necessitates specialized food or a mix of high-quality, low-fat cat food supplemented with insects. After decades of selective breeding, these domesticated hedgehogs exhibit a range of colors not common in the wild.
Understanding State and Local Ownership Laws
The legal status of pet hedgehogs in the US is complex, as regulations vary significantly across state, county, and municipal lines. Classified as exotic animals, their ownership is subject to a patchwork of laws managing the introduction of non-native species. Several states maintain outright bans due to concerns about the potential for ecological impact if the animals escape and establish feral populations.
States such as California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania prohibit hedgehog ownership entirely. These restrictions are often enforced by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department views them as potential pests that could compete with native wildlife or introduce disease, focusing on protecting the local ecosystem.
Other states, including Maine, New Jersey, and Arizona, permit ownership but require owners to obtain a special permit or license. This regulatory step ensures the government can track the animals and hold owners accountable for proper care and containment. Even where state law is permissive, local jurisdictions may impose stricter rules, making it imperative for prospective owners to check local ordinances.