North American Porcupine - Erethizon Dorsatum Home      Animal Index     Utah Distribution Map       Photo Details  &  Description

Photo Details 1.  2. 3. 4. Normally noctural, this one was wandering around digging and chewing at roots.  I talked softly to him as I approached -  He seemed fine with my presence and didn't raise his quills until a family of 4 walked up.  December 27, 2005, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah - ©Nicky Davis Description Length of head and body 18 to 23 inches - tail 6 to 11 inches short round body short legs long stiff quills moves slowly feeds on buds, twigs and bark normally nocturnal Approximately 30,000 barbed quills are modified hairs that become embedded on contact.  If threatened, they turn their backs and raise the quills to the predator Back to Top