Mammals: Porcupines

You are more likely to see signs of these nocturnal animals than the “porkies” themselves. Porcupines gnaw the wood on shelters and privies and will even prey on backpacks and boots in search of salt. The female gives birth to one baby each year. The baby is born with quills, which harden soon after birth. The babies are weaned within 3 months. The gnawed sign pictured here reads: “Latch door when leaving or porcupines will eat this building.”