Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals. There are no wild hedgehog populations living naturally within Indiana’s borders. Any hedgehog encountered in the state is either an escaped or released pet, or an animal belonging to a licensed facility. The hedgehogs seen in homes are typically the African Pygmy Hedgehog, a domesticated species.
Why Wild Hedgehogs Are Not Native to Indiana
Hedgehogs are not indigenous to the Western Hemisphere; their natural geographic range spans Europe, Asia, and Africa. The 17 known species are distributed across these continents. No hedgehog species has established a self-sustaining population in North America since the last native species went extinct millions of years ago.
The climate and ecology of Indiana are fundamentally unsuitable for the common pet species, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, to survive outdoors. This species, a hybrid of the Four-toed Hedgehog, is native to warm, dry regions of central Africa. They are sensitive to cold and require environmental temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21–30 degrees Celsius).
Indiana’s cold winter temperatures would quickly induce a dangerous state of torpor or hibernation. This induced hibernation is often fatal for non-native species due to insufficient fat reserves and metabolic issues. Furthermore, while hedgehogs are insectivorous, the seasonal availability of suitable prey in Indiana’s ecosystem would not support a year-round population.
Legal Status of Exotic Pet Hedgehogs in Indiana
The African Pygmy Hedgehog is legal to keep as a pet throughout Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates the possession of “wild animals” under the Indiana Administrative Code (312 IAC 9-11), which requires a permit for certain Class I, II, and III species. However, the African Pygmy Hedgehog is specifically exempted from the DNR’s wild animal possession permit requirements.
This exemption places the hedgehog in the same category as other common exotic pets like chinchillas and flying squirrels. These animals are not considered a threat to native wildlife or human safety. This means a state-level permit is not necessary for ownership. Prospective owners must still acquire their animal from a reputable, legal source, such as a USDA-licensed breeder or a licensed pet store.
It is advisable to check local municipal or county ordinances, as some cities may have specific restrictions on exotic pet ownership that supersede state law. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is a popular choice for exotic pet enthusiasts. Owners must commit to providing a strictly controlled indoor environment with supplemental heating to maintain the required warm temperatures and prevent escape into the unsuitable Indiana climate.