Home
Porcupine in Alaska

Porcupine in Alaska

Erethizon dorsatum

Porcupine in Alaska — Quick Overview

There are 931 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Alaska, with 144 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in May through August.

When to See Porcupine in Alaska

Most often reported in May through August.

Monthly sightings distribution for Porcupine in Alaska
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January13No
February0No
March0No
April30No
May169Yes
June183Yes
July163Yes
August146Yes
September74No
October40No
November17No
December19No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Porcupine sightings in Alaska compare to other North American hubs:

A large, stocky rodent with a dark body covered in long guard hairs and thousands of sharp quills. The tail is short and thick. It lives in forests across Canada, the northern United States and the West. It climbs trees to feed on bark, buds and leaves. Look for gnawed bark and chewed branches in winter, and watch for it moving slowly at dusk, grunting as it goes.

Other Wildlife to Look for in Alaska

Live Field Tracking

Track Porcupine in Alaska

See where Porcupine was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.

Download on App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see a Porcupine in Alaska?

Porcupine is most often reported in Alaska in May through August, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.

Where can I see a Porcupine in Alaska?

There are 931 documented Porcupine records in Alaska. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.

How can I find Porcupine sightings near me in Alaska?

Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Alaska.