Skip to main content

North American Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

67.6093, -149.783

Field Notes

Description:

Porcupines are large rodents armed with quills and are dark brown or black grizzled in white. They are stout with short legs and thick tail. They are about 64.5 to 103 cm (25.4 to 41 in) in length not including the tail, which is another 14.5 to 30 cm (5.7 to 12 in).

Habitat:

Porcupines are found in coniferous and mixed hard and softwood forests in Canada, Alaska and much of the northern and western United States.

Notes:

I found this individual on the Dalton Highway (Haul Road) in the Brooks Range of Alaska. I found this a bit surprising as we were beyond the treeline and out on the tundra. Perhaps it was eating dwarf tundra willows?

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)

Wow, I have not seen one of these Porcupines, since I was a kid. Awesome photo!!
Thanks everyone. He was in a hurry, probably because I was there trying to photograph him or maybe he was simply trying to find his next meal. Trees are pretty far between in that area, unless, again, he was feeding on tundra willows. I was not expecting to see a porcupine in that area. Somehow they don't seem well suited for the sort of cold that happens in that area during the winter.
seems to be in a great hurry!! I am late, I am Late, For a very important Date!
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 1, 2012

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon