Arizona's WildLife

The North American porcupine is a large, slow-moving rodent covered in sharp, protective quills that deter predators. Primarily nocturnal, porcupines spend much of their time foraging for leaves, twigs, bark, and other plant material, often climbing trees with surprising agility despite their size. They are found in a variety of habitats in Arizona, including conifer forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky slopes, where they take advantage of trees for both food and shelter. Although solitary and generally non-aggressive, porcupines are well-equipped to defend themselves with their quills, which can embed in the skin of predators or curious animals. Their presence plays an important ecological role by influencing forest vegetation and providing opportunities for predators and scavengers to interact with their environment.