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North American Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum

Also known as: Porcupine

Fast Facts		Distribution in Yukon
Length	75 cm
Weight	10 kg
Lifespan	9-10 years
Habitat
Predators	Wolverines, wolves, Fishers
Conservation Status
Yukon	S5 (Secure)
Global	G5 (Secure)
Yukon population estimate:  Not determined

Description

• Large rodent-shaped body covered in sharp quills and long hairs
• Long, yellow-tipped hair hides the quills that are kept close to the body when not in the defensive position
• Long, curved claws

Behaviour

Porcupines are slow moving animals and can usually be heard shuffling through the forest if you are nearby.  When threatened, the porcupine arches its back and draws its quills erect.  Though it cannot throw its quills, they dislodge easily when the porcupine thrashes its club-like tail.  Barbs on a porcupine’s quills are not poisonous. However, if a quill penetrates an attacker, barbs on the quills are able to swell from the surrounding skin moisture, forcing the quill in deeper which can kill if it causes an infection or the recipient, such as a wolf, is unable to eat or drink. 

Diet

Forbs, shrubs and trees, as well as antlers and bones for their mineral content

Sights and sounds

	Alternative content - radio interview
Tracks Front: 4.3x3.3 cm Hind: 6.8x4.3 cm	Sound Screech

Mammals and People

• Quills are still used to make earrings and to decorate moccasins, jackets, baskets and boxes

Viewing Opportunities

• Porcupines are easy to observe as they are slow to move away and are noticeable when climbing trees, which they frequently do.
• They are often spotted along roadsides because they move slowly, but frequently, making an encounter possible and easy to notice.