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Project Noah Nature School
Erethizon dorsatum
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).
Porcupines are found in coniferous and mixed hard and softwood forests in Canada, Alaska and much of the northern and western United States.
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?
Spotted on Sep 1, 2002
Submitted on Feb 1, 2012
7 Comments
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.
Cute! :)
Fantastic picture!
Wonderful ,,,
Very cute!
seems to be in a great hurry!!
I am late, I am Late,
For a very important Date!