Is it legal to own a hedgehog in Massachusetts?
The short answer
Yes. Hedgehogs are legal in Massachusetts without a permit. The African pygmy (four-toed) hedgehog appears on MassWildlife's exemption list in 321 CMR 9.01, which allows possession, sale, and breeding without a MassWildlife license.
What Massachusetts law says
321 CMR 9.01 exempts listed species from the wildlife possession permit requirement of M.G.L. c.131 §23; the four-toed (African pygmy) hedgehog is on that exemption list.
Which agency regulates hedgehogs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is the authority for hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) possession in Massachusetts.
Is there a permit for pet hedgehogs?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for exempt species; releasing one into the wild without a liberation permit is unlawful.
Local city and county rules
Boston and other municipalities can add local requirements — check your city or town.
Legal alternatives in Massachusetts
- Ferret in Massachusetts — Fully domesticated for millennia, yet still outlawed in California and Hawaii — the most mainstream 'exotic' pet in America.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a MassWildlife permit for a hedgehog?
No. The African pygmy hedgehog is on the 321 CMR 9.01 exemption list, so it may be kept without a permit.
Sources
More animals in Massachusetts
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Massachusetts?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Massachusetts?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Massachusetts?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.