Porcupine

Porcupine Facts

Porcupines are found all over the world, but the most common species in North America is the North American porcupine. This rodent is second in size only to the beaver and can be found anywhere from the Arctic Ocean to Northern Mexico. They measure between 23 and 36 inches long with brownish yellow or black bodies and are covered in a coat of sharp quills.

This coat of quills is the porcupine’s most identifiable feature. The quills serve as a barbed shield against predators and can also be driven into attackers if the animal feels threatened. Some porcupines can have upwards of 30,000 quills on them. Their heads are small and their bare-soled feet are great for climbing trees.

In the wild, porcupines have an average lifespan of 18 years and are primarily herbivores. These prickly pests will normally eat leaves, roots, wood, bark, seeds, grain, fruit, and flowers. Mating occurs between October and November.

Porcupine Damage

These creatures become bothersome to humans because of their need to chew. Porcupines have a particular fondness for salt, so they will often gnaw on housing structures, cars, or anything made of plywood. These items tend to have salt stuck to them — often the type used in de-icing. Porcupines can’t get enough of it. These spiny scavengers also enjoy feeding on trees. They will strip away bark and end up severely damaging the tree. This is of particular concern in the lumber industry, as severely gnawed and gnarled logs are rendered unusable. If you have flower or vegetable gardens, porcupines also have no problem uprooting these plants to feast on them. You might hear loud chewing noises or the chattering of teeth when they are confronted. They’ll cut and gnaw on twigs throughout your yard. Porcupine droppings are found around their dens. Their tracks will resemble long claw marks, as well as a dragging tail.

Types of Porcupines

Porcupine Identification

Porcupines are usually broken up into two categories — old world or Hystricidae and new world or Erethizontidae. They are both very similar in appearance. Old world porcupines inhabit Africa and Asia, while new world porcupines are primarily found in the Americas. Specific species include the North American porcupine, the Brazilian porcupine, the dwarf porcupine, the bush-tailed porcupine, and the crested porcupine.

Porcupines in the Yard & Garden

These critters live in a variety of different places and climates, so it’s very possible that they live in your neighborhood. They can be found in the tundra, deciduous forests, and even in deserts. You’ll often see them hanging out in trees or scampering across your yard in search of food. Trees are their preferred resting spot, however, as they provide shelter from predators and a place to den.