Encountering a Porcupine – What to Do

Porcupines are the third largest rodent and is a cousin to the Beaver. Like the beaver, they have two large, front gnawing teeth which continue to grow as long as the porcupine lives.They can be found in many locations around North America, including the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Porcupines can be found on rocky areas up to 3,700 m (12,100 ft) high. They have large rounded bodies, are slow moving, have sharp quills all around their body and have the ability to climb trees to find food. Because the porcupine is a nocturnal animal, it’s more likely to be out in the evening and night, but may still be seen during the daytime. If you do encounter a porcupine, it’s good to know what to do and what not to do.

Porcupine Myth vs. Reality

• Myth: All porcupines are the same. Not true. There are about two dozen porcupine species, and they come in a variety of colors including grey, brown, and occasionally white. They range in size from 12-35 lbs. and from 25-36 inches long. They do all have spiny quills, but the North American species have up to 30,000 single quills about 3”- 6” long interspersed with bristles and fur, where other varieties have clusters of quills.
• Myth: Porcupines can “throw” their quills. Not true. While some quills may fall out on their own, the only way the quills are transmitted to another animal or person is by direct contact. The most common way to release quills into an attacker is the porcupine slapping another animal or person with its tail. The individual quills have sharp barbed ends which will penetrate the skin and will continue to work their way deeper over time. Porcupines grow new quills to replace the old or lost ones.
• Myth: The best way to remove a quill is to just pull it out. NOT True. Because the quills are like little fish hooks, any attempt to just yank them out will result in tearing the skin. The quill itself is like a hollow tube, and by clipping the end off – the pressure is released and the wall structure sags. After the end is clipped, gently pulling the quill out will be much easier and less painful. Certainly, if your animal gets quills embedded in its skin, a qualified vet can remove them for you.
• Myth: Porcupines are mean and will attack. Not True. Porcupines are shy, quiet creatures (herbivores)who eat twigs, and green plants and the only reason they may seek out human areas is to find salt. Many tools, clothing, paint and other items associated with people have a salty taste that appeals to the porcupine. So, a salt lick in the yard may invite the visit of a porcupine. If you happen to cross paths with a porcupine, it may be just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even though it won’t look for trouble, it will defend itself when attacked, so dogs or other animals that try to bite or frighten the porcupine may find themselves with a face full of quills.  This is really bad news for animals who don’t get help removing the quills, because they can starve if the quills prevent them from eating. If you find the porcupine through casual contact, it may be startled and the quills will stand up in a defensive posture. Move slowly and deliberately back away from the animal and remain calm and quiet. If you give the porcupine a wide berth, it will probably just wander off back into the woods.

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