Porcupines do not hibernate in winter or otherwise. However, they sleep more regularly and remain close to their dens and shacks come winter. Porcupines are very active creatures. They tend to be more active at night, making them nocturnal creatures. In summer, they forage and nap high up in the trees. Their diet in summer comprises of stems, berries, fruits, branches and shoots. In winter, they will gnaw at pine/conifer needles as well as tree barks. During sever winter, the usually solitary porcupine may choose to den up with its mates. Their home terrain could be as broad as 25-35 acres.
Porcupines are active all year round without exception. They like to scout for food and often travel long distances in search of food. The porcupine’s diet is mainly vegetarian: tree leaves, bark, twigs, branches and inner tree barks. It likes herbs and fallen tree branches. Woody trees like aspen, cottonwood, willow, and pine are its favorites. Porcupines prefer smooth and thin chewable bark which it finds more appetizing. Porcupines are viewed as a pests by some as it will gnaw on trees and vegetation, sometimes damaging private property by it’s desire for chewing. Dog owners fear their dogs running into a porcupines and getting attacked by their fearsome quills.
Porcupines are otherwise rather cute, as they waddle when they walk and whine like a baby. They are not vicious unless provoked or threatened. Porcupines are found everywhere of the world. The North American porcupine can be found in western to Northern North American and even in the coniferous forests of Canada. Porcupines will explore from prairie rivers, alpine tundra and even deserts. When porcupines sleep in daytime, they prefer to slumber among fallen timber, rock clusters and caves. They like places that are cool and comfortable, away from strong afternoon sun and wandering predators.
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