North American Porcupine

North Lookout had a special visitor this week--make way for the North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), perhaps the prickliest hawkwatcher we have ever seen! Porcupines are among the largest rodent species in Pennsylvania, second only to the beaver. A common misconception about porcupines is that they can shoot their quills when threatened, but this is totally false. Instead of going for distance, porcupines can really only use their quills as a form of self-defense when the potential threat is close enough to wack with their tail. The quills, which are actually specially adapted hair structures, are loosely attached to the tail and back of the animal, and release quite easily when disturbed. Look for these unique mammals sleeping high in trees or foraging along the forest floor.

Photo by Bill Moses.