Tracie Young, founder and director of the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in southeastern Lancaster County, recently received an unusual animal—a hedgehog—after it was found wandering and detained by police. Hedgehogs are illegal to possess in Pennsylvania, as they are non-native invasive species that can disrupt local ecosystems. This marked the first hedgehog the center has cared for in its 10 years. The animal appeared to have been abandoned or released by an owner unaware of the legal and ecological consequences, highlighting the risks of keeping exotic pets without proper knowledge or responsibility.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission encounters a few hedgehogs each year, often due to people unknowingly acquiring them as pets. Despite efforts to legalize hedgehog ownership in the state, such attempts have failed, reflecting concerns about their impact on native wildlife. Young emphasized the importance of not releasing non-native animals into the wild and urged pet owners to research care requirements and legalities to prevent harm to animals and the environment. The center is now working with specialized organizations to find a suitable home for the hedgehog.