California Porcupines by Eileen Majors

Visit a porcupine; read the article. The Animal Ark, Reno, NV

California porcupines are curious creatures and are not easy to locate despite the sharp quills covering their bodies. In California they can be found in montane conifer and wet meadow habitats; also in the Coastal Ranges, the Klamath Mountains, southern Cascades, Modoc Plateau, Sierra Nevada, and Transverse Ranges, according to California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

Recognizing the California Porcupine

When you see one, you’ll recognize it by its quills even though these are tough animals to locate these days. When I first moved to the mountains of northern California, I saw quite a few dogs with a face full of quills, who had gotten into trouble with a California porcupine. I have not seen anything like that for years, which may be good for dogs but leaves one to wonder what happened to the population of California Porcupines.

Weighing in usually at between 9 and 20 pounds, with reports of up to 37 pounds, they are short and stocky rodents with obviously long claws and a high-arching back. They are the second largest rodent found in California, only second to the beaver. Their quills, which can number about 30,000, cover their backs, sides and tails. Their feet are hairless, helping them climb trees in search of food.

Their Diets and Breeding Habits

During spring and summer months these herbivores live on grasses, forbs, shrubs, wetland plants, berries and even some agricultural crops, depending on where they live. In the winter they feed mostly on twigs, bark, and the cambium of hardwood and conifer trees.

They breed in fall and early winter while conducting an elaborate courtship which includes extensive vocalizations and other rituals including their mating dance. The young which are born in spring and early summer are called porcupettes. There is usually only one per litter. Twins are rare.

If You Spot One In The Wild

If you spot a California porcupine, the CDFW would like to hear from you. They offer a form to report spotting the animals. Doing so helps them gather information to monitor current populations of the prickly creatures.

There aren’t many species who are considered predators of the porcupine. The Fisher, also known as the North American Marten is highly skilled at hunting porcupines.

VIEW A LIVE PORCUPINE

Many animals including the prickly California porcupine have been rescued and placed into a Wildlife Sanctuary in Reno, Nevada, at a place called Red Rocks. You can view a live porcupine by visiting the Ark Wildlife Sanctuary.

Facts also gathered at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, which also offers video and more information.

Keep your eyes peeled for the California porcupine and don’t forget to report sightings.