Native Hedgehog as Pets? 3 Do’s and Dont’s When Dealing with Wild Hedgehogs

In the last decade, pet lovers have seen the rise of the hedgehog as an Instagram superstar. However, this claim to fame did not come without controversy regarding the ethics of owning these cute, spiky animals.

At the heart of the debate is the importance of differentiating domesticated hedgehogs from their wild counterparts. This goes especially in places like the UK, where they have a very sensitive local population in their own native ecosystems.

The native hedgehog is no pet

Owning hedgehog is legal in certain countries, but that has indirectly led to some people mistakenly assuming that the wild ones they see in their backyards can be treated in the same way.

That is why telling the difference between the two is key. In the UK, the wild hedgehogs are also known as the West European hedgehog, while their domesticated cousins are known as the African pygmy hedgehog.

All hedgehogs are nocturnal, but while even hedgehog owners know better than to interact with their prickly friends during daytime, there are other things to consider when dealing with the wild, native hedgehog living outside in the yard.

Consider the following:

1. They are not meant to be seen outside.

Remember, a hedgehog's single means of defense is to curl up into a ball and hopes any would-be predators would leave it alone. Pair that with its nocturnal nature and it is actually very rare to see one walking about during the day. They are easily distressed outside their nest, and handling one you see could only be a harrowing experience from its perspective.

2. They do not respond well to pet food or grooming products.

West European hedgehogs have a very complex diet that is supplied exclusively by the local environment. They are generally more carnivorous than their pet counterparts, often feeding on insects and worms. They also do not respond well to chemicals in popular pet grooming products (including those supposedly designed for homebound hedgies).

3. They could introduce pests and disease.

Being in the wild obviously means that every native hedgehog you see could be carrying a lot of little passengers that could be very dangerous for your home. These include not only fleas, but also outside germs and bacteria.

Helping the native hedgehog

The next time you see a hedgehog either on the road or lost in your yard, the rule of thumb is really to keep your distance. Of course, seeing one wandering out in the day is certainly a cause for concern. Something may have happened to its nest or a predator may have chased it far from home.

Still, there is no telling exactly what the animals' circumstances are so it is best to contact your nearest conservation expert and have them on the scene. Naturally, you are free to also watch out for other troubling signs such as injury, as well as the presence of unnatural pesticides in your area.

Across Europe, the wild hedgehog population is regarded as stable, but the population within the UK is now vulnerable to extinction. That is why it is important for people to leave these animals alone as much as possible and remember that not all varieties are meant to be pets.