Hedgehogs are spiny animals that can be found in certain parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are seventeen different species of hedgehog and they have adapted to a nocturnal way of life. Their spiny protection is very similar to that of the porcupines. A very interesting fact about their spines is that they are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.
The most common pet species of hedgehogs are hybrids and the North African hedgehogs; even though it is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some US states, Scandinavia, the UK and in Italy.
Illegal pets
Source: germoid
If you live in the States and you are wondering if owning a hedgehog as a pet is illegal, here are the states in which it is considered illegal: Maine, Arizona, California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, and New York City. They are qualified as wild animals so they are not allowed to be kept as pets.
Species
Source: yepright
There are seventeen different species of hedgehogs, including the Western or European Hedgehog, the Eastern European Hedgehog, the Chinese Hedgehog, the 4-Toed or White-Bellied Hedgehog, the Algerian Hedgehog, the Somalian Hedgehog, and the South African Hedgehog.