Hedgehogs are spiny mammals popular in the exotic pet trade across the United States. Though not native to the Americas, they are kept in nearly every state. The common pet variety, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, is a domesticated hybrid adapted to life in captivity. For owners, where hedgehogs “live” in the US is determined by state and local laws regarding companion animals.
Hedgehogs Are Not Native to the U.S.
The 17 species of hedgehogs belong to the family Erinaceidae and are naturally distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The commonly kept pet, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, is a hybrid of the white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus). These species originate from the savannas and scrublands of central and eastern Africa.
Any hedgehog found in the United States is present only because of human intervention, either as a deliberately kept pet or a rare escapee. The US has no established, wild populations; their presence is restricted to individual homes and licensed breeding facilities. This non-native status is why they are classified as “exotic” and subject to legal restrictions.
State-by-State Legality of Pet Ownership
The legality of owning an African Pygmy Hedgehog varies considerably. Most states permit them without a special license, but a few enforce outright bans. Potential owners must check their specific state and local laws before acquiring one.
States with Outright Bans
A small number of states have completely prohibited hedgehogs as pets, classifying them as restricted wildlife. These states include California and Hawaii, where personal possession is banned. Georgia also makes possession illegal, though it allows licensed breeding if the animals are sold out-of-state.
States with Conditional or Restricted Ownership
Other states allow ownership but require a specific permit or license from a state department of agriculture or wildlife. In Pennsylvania, hedgehogs are considered exotic animals, and a permit must be obtained from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, and Wyoming also require a permit for legal possession.
Local Municipal Restrictions
Even where hedgehogs are legal under state law, municipal or county ordinances can supersede state regulations and impose local bans. The five boroughs of New York City have an explicit ban on hedgehog ownership. Other jurisdictions, such as Omaha, Nebraska, and Washington, D.C., also have specific bans or restrictions at the city level.
Why Hedgehogs Face Restrictions
Governmental restrictions on exotic pets like hedgehogs are based on public health and environmental concerns. One concern is the potential for them to become an invasive species if released into the wild. If an exotic animal establishes a wild population, it can compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, disrupting local ecosystems.
Another rationale for regulation is the risk of zoonotic disease transmission to humans. Hedgehogs are known carriers of Salmonella bacteria, even when they appear healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has investigated cases of salmonella linked to pet hedgehogs. This has led to warnings for owners to practice strict hygiene, such as thorough handwashing after handling the animals. Many state wildlife departments classify them as non-domesticated animals, allowing for their regulation or prohibition under existing laws intended to manage exotic wildlife.