Owning a Hedgehog in Pennsylvania is Safer for Everyone.

Pennsylvania is one of four states where it is illegal to own exotic animals such as hedgehogs or tigers. Yes, owning a tiger is a bit ridiculous but there are people in our state who own “jungle cats”. A jungle cat is a cat that will grow to be the size of a mountain lion. This isn’t considered an exotic animal, however. Hedgehogs are much more practical than these jungle cats, especially in Pennsylvania. Hedgehogs need to be kept warm for their health and safety, so if they are kept in a home they will be warm at all times. They are also very small which can lead to them being hunted by much larger animals. Although they do have sharp, needle like quills that are used for defense, they are still worried about being eaten everyday, which causes stress for the hedgehog and is very unhealthy. As a solution, the legalization of owning a hedgehog in Pennsylvania should happen, not only for the safety and health of the hedgehog, but the happiness of an eighteen year old girl who wants a pet hedgehog.