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Porcupine in Massachusetts

Porcupine in Massachusetts

Erethizon dorsatum

Porcupine in Massachusetts — Quick Overview

There are 889 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Massachusetts, with 149 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in April through July.

When to See Porcupine in Massachusetts

Most often reported in April through July.

Monthly sightings distribution for Porcupine in Massachusetts
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January57No
February55No
March72No
April132Yes
May110Yes
June94Yes
July88Yes
August83No
September66No
October75No
November0No
December0No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Porcupine sightings in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Porcupine is most often reported in Massachusetts in April through July, 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 Massachusetts?

There are 889 documented Porcupine records in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts.