Our recent backyard visitor encouraged our research with the Alaska Dept of Fish and Game which told us…
Fast Facts
Size
Average 15-20 pounds, some reach 30 pounds.
COMMENT: They still,are able to climb trees.
Range/Distribution
Forested areas of Alaska.
COMMENT: Plus… non urban backyards.
Diet
Plants, inner bark of trees.
COMMENT: They also,seem to love our cherry tree.
Predators
Fisher outside Alaska; wolves, wolverines, coyotes, and lynx sometimes learn how to successfully catch, kill and skin porcupines.
COMMENT: None of those in our yard.
Reproduction
One per year.
COMMENT: So we may see the baby next year?
Remarks
Porcupines evolved in South America and moved into North America about three million years ago during the Great American Interchange, when tectonics pushed the two continents together and a bridge was created in Central America.
COMMENT: All,of which, brought them to us!
Doggedly Yours 
Fortunately, our dogs were not interested. Thanks for your kindness.
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He is so cute. I saw one once in a tree, making a rustling noise as his quills rattled against each other ❦
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Hugging is not reciprocal mended you are correct. However, they are cute. Thanks.
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Funny little creatures indeed!
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Fascinating! I had no idea they were tree climbers. Adorable too, though a hug might hurt! Thank you for sharing. 😊
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I have always admired porcupines for the peacefulness. They do not bother you as long as you do not bother them. Thanks for your nice comment.
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A fascinating critter for sure. Great images and interesting background info. Thank you for sharing.
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Big tree climbers. They have known to fall and get injured. Thanks for commenting..
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Has no idea porcies could climb trees Yours sure look different that the ones I’ve seen around here.
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A few years back, a porky almost fell into our hot tub from the tree above. That would have been exciting! Last week, one of them got tangled up in a cone/rope arrangement that we’d put out to block our driveway. Rather comical, almost as much as when the porky was stuck on our back deck and couldn’t find his way off. And it’s tough to help the poor critters out!
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