Hedgehogs are not native to the United States or Canada, meaning no wild populations naturally occur in North America. The continent has no living species indigenous to its ecosystems, though fossil records show an extinct genus, Amphechinus, was present millions of years ago. Any hedgehog encountered in America today is considered an introduced, non-native species, linked almost exclusively to the exotic pet trade. If a hedgehog is found outside, it is nearly always an escaped or abandoned pet incapable of surviving long-term in most American climates and ecosystems.
Where Wild Hedgehogs Naturally Live
Wild hedgehogs are biologically diverse, with approximately 17 species found across three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is native to Western and Central Europe, thriving in grasslands and woodlands. This species is adapted to cooler climates and hibernates during the cold winter months. Across Asia, species like the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) are found throughout Central Asia and the Middle East. The African species, such as those in the genus Atelerix, are predominantly found in the dry, warm climates of central and eastern sub-Saharan Africa. These hedgehogs prefer areas where insects are plentiful and rarely hibernate due to the consistently warm temperatures.
The Origin of Hedgehogs in the Pet Trade
The hedgehogs encountered in American homes are pets, primarily the African Pygmy Hedgehog. This animal is not a single wild species but a domesticated hybrid, often a cross between the Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the North African Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus). Domestication of these African species gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s. They were favored for the pet trade because they are significantly smaller than their European cousins, making them more manageable for home environments. Most of the current US pet population traces its lineage back to an estimated 80,000 hedgehogs imported from Nigeria between 1991 and 1994. These animals are captive-bred over many generations, meaning they are not wild-caught animals. This long-term captive breeding has resulted in a wide variety of colors and improved temperament for companion life. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is a nocturnal pet that requires a carefully controlled environment, specifically a warm temperature range of about 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, reflecting their native African climate.
Regulation of Hedgehog Ownership in America
The legal status of hedgehog ownership is highly variable across the United States, as regulation is determined at the state, county, and municipal levels. While they are legal to own in most states, local laws restrict or prohibit them entirely. For example, they are illegal to keep as pets in states like California and Hawaii, as well as in major municipalities like New York City and Washington, D.C. Restrictions are rooted in concerns over public health and environmental risks. Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria, posing a health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations. The bans also address the risk of the animals becoming an invasive species if released into the wild, where they could harm native ecosystems, similar to impacts seen in New Zealand. In some areas, like New Jersey or Wyoming, ownership requires a permit or license. Prospective owners must verify the legality of the animal with their local animal control office before acquiring one. These laws primarily target the African Pygmy Hedgehog, which is the species commonly sold in the pet trade.