There are 281 recorded sightings of Porcupine in California, with 14 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in June through September.
When to See Porcupine in California
Most often reported in June through September.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | No |
| February | 10 | No |
| March | 0 | No |
| April | 0 | No |
| May | 18 | No |
| June | 27 | Yes |
| July | 41 | Yes |
| August | 43 | Yes |
| September | 25 | Yes |
| October | 27 | No |
| November | 25 | No |
| December | 18 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Porcupine sightings in California 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 California
Track Porcupine in California
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 California?
Porcupine is most often reported in California in June through September, 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 California?
There are 281 documented Porcupine records in California. 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 California?
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 California.