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How can I legally own a hedgehog in California?

How can I legally own a hedgehog in California?

Hedgehogs are illegal to own, not only in California, but also across the entire conterminous United States. To own one, you must get a Federal permit, and also a permit issued by the state in which you reside.

What happens if you own a hedgehog in California?

Hedgehogs. Nevertheless, the quills can still penetrate skin and hedgehogs can transmit diseases such as ringworm and salmonella to humans. Like ferrets, however, the main reason hedgehogs are illegal in California, however, is due to the risk escaped and abandoned hedgehogs pose to native wildlife.

Can I legally own a hedgehog?

It’s currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California; Georgia; Hawaii; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C. Other states and cities may have specific restrictions or require a permit to keep one. Tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not “pets.” Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal.

What exotic pets are illegal in California?

Some of the animals on California’s banned-as-pets list are familiar: alligators, raccoons, skunks, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. Some are predictable: No African lions, caimans or gars, please. Others are truly exotic – a Gambian giant pouched rat is forbidden as a pet, but you’ll have to find one first.

How long do hedgehogs live as pets?

Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

Why are hedgehog illegal in California?

There are at least 17 known species of hedgehogs. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don’t naturally occur. Permits are not issued to import or possess any wild animal for pet purposes.

Why are hedgehogs illegal in California?

Is it illegal to disturb hedgehogs?

Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996) – It illegal to treat a hedgehog cruelly. The NERC Act – Lists hedgehogs as a species of ‘principal importance’ which public bodies have a duty of responsibility’ to protect. However, none of these acts prevent the causes of the population declines.

Are chinchillas legal in California?

Domesticated races of chinchillas are legal as pets in California. You can legally purchase and own a chinchilla. Certain races of dwarf hamsters, mice, golden hamsters, and guinea pigs are also legal as pets.

Are hedgehogs illegal in California?

Is it illegal to own a Hedgehog as a pet in California?

At the time of this article posting, there are only five states that have legislation making it illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet: California certainly isn’t on the list of states that allow hedgehogs as pets! In the Golden State, they have a hard-line stance on having hedgehogs as pets.

Can you keep a Hedgehog as a pet in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is definitely not a state which allows hedgehogs as pets! In fact, we found ourselves quickly caught up in a convoluted mess regarding legalities. In years gone by, hedgehogs were able to be kept as pets as long as it could be proven that they were bred and born within the state by breeders legally permitted to do so.

Is it bad to have a Hedgehog as a pet?

There isn’t any negative environmental impact caused by you owning one. We guarantee there won’t be a zombie apocalypse created by hedgehog ownership! Nonetheless, we don’t want any harm to befall them because they’re living in one of the states that doesn’t allow hedgehogs as pets.