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Mammal
AZ places Camping-Made-Easy

Arizona's WildLife

"Where the Wild Things Roam"

North American Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum
​
Mammal

Look for gnawed branches in trees.

Large rodent covered in sharp quills. Slow-moving and primarily nocturnal.

Mammal

Identification & Behavior

Size: 12–35 lbs

Key Features: Thick coat, sharp quills

Diet: Herbivore — bark, leaves, fruit

Activity Pattern: Nocturnal

Behavior: Climbs trees to feed on bark.

Habitat & Distribution​

Habitat: Forests, riparian areas, woodlands

Elevation Range: 3,000–8,000 ft

Seasonal Presence: Year-round

Arizona Range: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Risks & Management

Do not touch; quills detach easily.

Fun Fact: Cannot throw quills, only release on contact.

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