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Wildlife Centres: Porcupine
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The above wildlife centres are authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Reproduction: Normally only one baby is born around May-June. Having more than one baby per litter is extremely rare in this species. Young are born with soft, short quills that harden shortly after birth.

Diet: Green leaves, shrubs, needles, inner bark

Species Information:
The porcupine is most well known for the close to 30,000 quills, which cover its body. A common error is that porcupines can throw or shoot their quills. These modified hairs are still a great defense mechanism, and their strong tail can be thrashed at a predator resulting in serious injury. When relaxed, the quills blend in well with the porcupine’s fur. However, when stressed or threatened, the quills are raised and very evident, some of which are over 3 inches long.

Although porcupines’ movements can seem slow and deliberate, they are exceptional climbers. Thanks to their long claws and strong, quilled tails, which provide traction and support, porcupines can climb to great heights. They will even sleep in the treetops. Females may announce their readiness to breed by "screaming" from a treetop.

So the next time you are out for a walk in the woods, take a moment and look up, you may be surprised to see who is looking down at you.

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