Hedgehogs, known for their spiny coats and ability to roll into a tight, prickly ball when threatened, are nocturnal creatures. Many wonder about their natural distribution and whether they can be found in North America. Understanding their global presence helps explain their absence as native wildlife on this continent.
Hedgehogs Around the World
Seventeen species of hedgehogs exist, found across various regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. Their native range spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, where they inhabit diverse environments. In Europe, species like the European hedgehog are common in woodlands, grasslands, and gardens, often thriving near human settlements. Asian hedgehogs, such as the long-eared hedgehog, are found throughout central Asia and parts of the Middle East, preferring moderate climates.
African hedgehogs, including the Four-toed or White-bellied hedgehog, are native to the dry climates of central and eastern Africa. These species live in savannas, grasslands, and scrublands, areas offering ample insect prey and warm temperatures. Wild hedgehogs seek habitats with sufficient ground cover, food sources, and shelter for their nocturnal activities.
North America’s Native Wildlife
No hedgehogs are native to North America. The vast oceans separating North America from Europe, Asia, and Africa acted as natural barriers, preventing natural colonization. While an extinct genus, Amphechinus, once existed millions of years ago, current ecosystems do not include wild hedgehog populations.
North America does, however, host other spiny mammals, most notably the porcupine. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a large rodent covered in thousands of barbed quills, which are modified hairs used for defense. Unlike hedgehogs, which are insectivores, porcupines are primarily herbivores. Their distinct evolutionary paths and classification highlight that while both animals possess protective spines, they are not closely related.
Hedgehogs as Companion Animals
Hedgehogs are present in North America primarily as companion animals. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is the most common species kept as a pet in the United States and Canada. This domesticated animal is a hybrid, typically a mix of the Four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus), bred in captivity for the pet trade. They first gained popularity as pets in the US in the 1980s.
Caring for these exotic pets requires specific attention to their needs, including maintaining a constant ambient temperature between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (22-28°C) to prevent illness. Their diet should consist of specialized hedgehog kibble supplemented with insects like mealworms and crickets, mimicking their natural insectivorous diet. Hedgehogs also need spacious enclosures with solid-surface exercise wheels to support their active, nocturnal nature. The legality of owning a hedgehog varies significantly across states and municipalities in North America, with some areas prohibiting them due to concerns about potential ecological impacts or the spread of disease.