Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals recognized by their distinctive quilled backs. While popular as pets globally, no established wild populations are native to the United States. Any hedgehogs encountered in the U.S. wild are almost certainly escaped or released pets.
Native Habitats and Global Distribution
Hedgehogs are naturally found across large parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. European hedgehogs thrive in grasslands, woodlands, and meadows, often near human settlements. African species typically inhabit dry, warm climates, including grasslands and rocky areas. Asian hedgehogs prefer grassy regions adjacent to forests or water sources.
There are 17 recognized species, each adapted to different climates and habitats within these continents. No living species are native to North or South America, Australia, or Antarctica. While extinct ancestors of hedgehogs once roamed North America, they disappeared millions of years ago.
Hedgehog Ownership in the United States
Although not native to the wild, hedgehogs can be found in the United States as pets. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is the primary species kept as companion animals. These domesticated hedgehogs are a subspecies of the white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog and result from breeding programs that began in the 1980s.
The legality of owning a pet hedgehog varies significantly across different states and municipalities within the U.S. Many states permit ownership without special restrictions, including all of New England. However, some states, such as California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania, generally prohibit them. Some cities, like New York City, also have specific bans.
Some areas may require permits for ownership or importation, such as Maine, New Jersey, and parts of Nebraska. These restrictions protect local ecosystems from potential harm if non-native species are introduced, or due to concerns about disease. Prospective owners should research local laws and consult with animal control or relevant state departments before acquiring a hedgehog.
Distinguishing Hedgehogs from Native Animals
Hedgehogs possess distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from native U.S. animals like porcupines or opossums. Hedgehogs are relatively small, typically measuring 6 to 12 inches long with a short, barely visible tail. Their most recognizable feature is the dense covering of short, sharp spines on their back and sides, which are made of keratin and firmly attached to the skin. When threatened, a hedgehog rolls into a tight ball, causing its spines to point outwards, protecting its vulnerable belly and face. They have a pointed snout, small eyes, and small ears.
In contrast, porcupines are much larger, ranging from 25 to 36 inches in length, and can weigh significantly more. Their quills are longer, sharper, often barbed, and can detach. Porcupines also have longer, more defined tails and broader feet with long claws, often used for climbing. Opossums are marsupials with soft fur, a pointed snout, and a long, hairless prehensile tail, bearing no spines. They are generally larger than hedgehogs, measuring 15 to 20 inches in length.