Porcupine

NPS Photo

Porcupines are fascinating creatures known for their distinctive quills and solitary nature. They play unique roles as ecosystem engineers in forested areas by pruning tree limbs and transporting nutrients from the canopies of trees to the ground.

The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a medium-sized rodent, typically weighing between 10 - 30 pounds. It has a stocky build with a dense, coarse fur coat and, most notably, quills that cover its back, tail, and sides. These quills, which are modified hairs, are the porcupine's primary defense against predators. When intimidated, porcupines turn their backs towards the threat and flare their quills. The quills are sharp, barbed, and loosely attached to the animal's skin, making them easily detach when a predator comes into contact with them. The quills can cause considerable pain and injury to other animals, making porcupines difficult to prey upon. Predators, like coyotes or bobcats, learn to avoid them or target vulnerable areas, such as their underside.

Porcupines are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant materials. During the winter, they are particularly fond of the inner bark of trees, including cottonwood, juniper, and ash, which they gnaw on using their sharp, chisel-like teeth. Their strong jaws and teeth are adapted to break through tough plant material. In addition to tree bark, porcupines also consume berries, leaves, seeds, grasses, and roots, making them opportunistic feeders depending on seasonal availability of forage.

Porcupines are slow-moving creatures, often seen ambling through the forest or scrubland in search of food. While they may not appear very strong or athletic, another primary defense mechanism of theirs is climbing trees. They are excellent climbers and will often seek refuge in tree canopies when threatened, using their sharp claws to scale vertical surfaces. Porcupines are also primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. During the day, they tend to remain in trees or sheltered spots to rest.

If you spot a porcupine, it is likely you will find it alone. They are solitary animals, typically coming together only during the breeding season in the fall when males seek out mates. Females usually give birth to a single baby or "porcupette" in late spring or early summer. Newborn porcupines are born with soft quills, which harden within a few hours after birth.

If you’re hoping to spot a porcupine during your visit to our park, focus search efforts in cottonwood stands along the Little Missouri River and look high up in trees. Visiting during the fall or winter after leaves have dropped from tree branches makes locating these animals much easier. Since porcupines are primarily nocturnal, you may also spot them on the side of the road when driving through the park at night as well.