Is it legal to own a hedgehog in West Virginia?
The short answer
Yes. Hedgehogs are legal in West Virginia with no permit. The Dangerous Wild Animals Act (W.Va. Code ch. 19, art. 34) and its board-adopted list cover big cats, bears, primates, and similar animals — hedgehogs are not included.
What West Virginia law says
W.Va. Code §19-34-1 et seq. restricts possession of listed dangerous wild animals; hedgehogs are absent from the list, so ordinary ownership is lawful.
Which agency regulates hedgehogs in West Virginia
No state agency regulates hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) possession in West Virginia — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet hedgehogs?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for simple ownership; possessing a listed dangerous wild animal is a misdemeanor with fines.
Local city and county rules
West Virginia municipalities can adopt exotic-animal ordinances — check locally.
Legal alternatives in West Virginia
- Sugar Glider in West Virginia — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Ferret in West Virginia — Fully domesticated for millennia, yet still outlawed in California and Hawaii — the most mainstream 'exotic' pet in America.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hedgehog a dangerous wild animal in West Virginia?
No. The Dangerous Wild Animals Act list does not include hedgehogs, so no registration or permit applies.
Sources
- W.Va. Code Chapter 19, Article 34 — Dangerous Wild Animals
- Are Hedgehogs Legal in My State? (50-State Guide)
More animals in West Virginia
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in West Virginia?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in West Virginia?
- Is it legal to own a serval in West Virginia?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in West Virginia 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.