There are 1,339 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Alberta, with 290 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in February through May.
When to See Porcupine in Alberta
Most often reported in February through May.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 120 | No |
| February | 119 | Yes |
| March | 117 | Yes |
| April | 209 | Yes |
| May | 174 | Yes |
| June | 88 | No |
| July | 84 | No |
| August | 0 | No |
| September | 89 | No |
| October | 80 | No |
| November | 0 | No |
| December | 115 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Porcupine sightings in Alberta 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 Alberta
Track Porcupine in Alberta
See where Porcupine was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Porcupine in Alberta?
Porcupine is most often reported in Alberta in February through May, 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 Alberta?
There are 1,339 documented Porcupine records in Alberta. 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 Alberta?
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 Alberta.

