Is it legal to own a hedgehog in Alaska?
The short answer
Yes. African pygmy hedgehogs are legal in Alaska without a permit. They appear on ADF&G's 'Clean List' of animals approved for possession under 5 AAC 92.029, so no Fish and Game permit is needed to own one.
What Alaska law says
5 AAC 92.029 lists the species that may be possessed in Alaska without a permit (the Clean List); the African pygmy hedgehog is on it, while unlisted species are banned outright.
Which agency regulates hedgehogs in Alaska
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is the authority for hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) possession in Alaska.
Is there a permit for pet hedgehogs?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for Clean List species; possessing non-listed live game is a misdemeanor with fines and confiscation.
Local city and county rules
Anchorage and other municipalities can add local animal rules — verify your city code.
Legal alternatives in Alaska
- Ferret in Alaska — Fully domesticated for millennia, yet still outlawed in California and Hawaii — the most mainstream 'exotic' pet in America.
Frequently asked questions
Are hedgehogs on Alaska's Clean List?
Yes. The African pygmy hedgehog is on the 5 AAC 92.029 Clean List, so it may be kept without an ADF&G permit.
Sources
- ADF&G — Pets That Are Legal To Have In Alaska
- 5 AAC 92.029 — Permit for possessing live game (Cornell LII)
More animals in Alaska
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Alaska?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Alaska?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Alaska?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Alaska page, or compare every state on the pet hedgehog laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-13 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.