Porcupine

A North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) was spotted by visitors and staff near North Lookout. Porcupines are mainly nocturnal (active at night), but residents of the Sanctuary can sometimes be seen meandering the forest during the day.

Porcupines usually live solitary lives, foraging for food on the ground or climbing trees to rest during the day. They are the second largest rodent in North America, with the largest being the North American Beaver.

Photo by Laurie Goodrich.