Technically speaking the African pygmy hedgehog doesn't exist in the wild, they are a hybrid between two different species - the Four-toed hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog, who both live in Africa and do hibernate and aestivate sometimes. The wild European hedgehog is also known for its hibernation every winter, but our pet hedgehogs don't hibernate. In order to hibernate safely the hedgehog needs to have enough extra fat stored in its body and needs to be prepared for hibernation, which a pet hedgehog isn't. When APHs are kept too cold or when they don't get enough light they can try to hibernate. They stop eating and drinking and fall asleep. This is very dangerous for them, since it lowers their immune system and slows down their metabolism so they often get sick after an hibernation attempt and when not caught in time they can die.