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!