Are Hedgehogs Legal in Ohio?
Hedgehogs are a small mammal that natives of Europe, Africa and Asia that has become popular in North America as a pet. But are they legal in Ohio?
Wildlife Laws of Ohio
Ohio is an interesting state when it comes to owning exotic pets. The Ohio Division of Wildlife, with the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), have determined which species are legal to own as pets. Hedgehogs are not among those approved species and are illegal to own as pets in Ohio; nor can they be imported, exported, or rehabilitated in the state.
Exceptions to the Rule
In most cases, violations of these laws are punishable with fines and even jail time. That being said, there is one exception. In limited cases, according to the FWS guidelines, a wild-caught hedgehog can be legally owned in Ohio providing it was born and bred in the pet trade in the state prior to 2001.
Is Hedgehog Ownership Possible?
Although hedgehog ownership is illegal in Ohio, those wishing to own one should check with the government of the state in which they reside to find out if ownership is legal there. Other states that allow hedgehog ownership include:
- Alabama: Allowed with permit.
- Alaska: Allowed with permit.
- Arizona: No permit needed.
- California: Allowed with permit.
- Colorado: Allowed with permit.
- Florida: Allowed with permit.
- Georgia: Allowed.
- Idaho: No permit needed.
- Kansas: Allowed with permit.
- Louisiana: Allowed with permit.
- Maryland: Allowed with permit.
- Massachusetts: Allowed with permit.
- Michigan: Allowed with permit.
- Minnesota: Allowed with permit.
- Nebraska: No permit needed.
- Nevada: Allowed with permit.
- New Hampshire: Allowed.
- New Jersey: Allowed with permit.
- New Mexico: Allowed with permit.
- Oregon: Allowed with permit.
- Tennessee: Allowed with permit.
- Texas: Allowed with permit.
- Utah: Allowed with permit.
- Vermont: Allowed with permit.
- Virginia: Allowed with permit.
- Wisconsin: Allowed.
It is important to remember that even if hedgehog ownership is allowed in the state, it is still a good idea to check with local regulations and obtain the necessary permits in order to ensure that you are following the law.
Summary
In Ohio, owning a hedgehog as a pet is illegal, however in some other states, there may be exceptions to this law depending on the species, permits, and local regulations. It is always a good idea to check with local and state laws before making any decisions.
