Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum

Contrary to popular belief, porcupines do not impale people, or their pets, by shooting their quills through the air. You must be in contact with quills before they become dislodged and attach themselves to you. If you leave the porcupine alone, it will go its own way and not interfere with you.

Habitat: Porcupines inhabit deciduous, coniferous, and evergreen forests.

Diet: Porcupines are herbivores, feeding primarily on woody parts of plants.

Public Health Issues Associated with Porcupines

• Porcupines do not carry any communicable diseases of concern to humans.

• Being quilled is the largest threat associated with porcupines. This can happen only if a person comes into direct contact with the quills, however. If you are quilled, you should consult a physician immediately to determine a course of treatment.

Problems Associated with Porcupines

• Porcupines are sometimes responsible for damage to trees.

• Porcupines are often attracted to tools, aluminum oars, wooden structures consisting of bonded plywood and a layer of glue, car tires, and hoses. It’s the mineral content of these objects that porcupines find attractive.

Solutions

• You can protect trees by placing around their trunks, at about three feet off the ground, a metal band about 24 to 30 inches in height. This prevents the porcupine from climbing.

• A capsaicin-based hot sauce repellent is registered for use to keep porcupines from damaging plastic tubing.

• Discourage visits by porcupines by securing trash containers with tight-fitting lids and picking up food at night if pets have been fed outdoors.