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Porcupine in Michigan

Porcupine in Michigan

Erethizon dorsatum

Porcupine in Michigan — Quick Overview

There are 860 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Michigan, with 126 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in May through August.

When to See Porcupine in Michigan

Most often reported in May through August.

Monthly sightings distribution for Porcupine in Michigan
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January0No
February34No
March39No
April59No
May200Yes
June150Yes
July110Yes
August81Yes
September68No
October55No
November0No
December22No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Porcupine sightings in Michigan 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 Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Porcupine is most often reported in Michigan 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 Michigan?

There are 860 documented Porcupine records in Michigan. 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 Michigan?

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 Michigan.