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Porcupine in Ontario

Porcupine in Ontario

Erethizon dorsatum

Porcupine in Ontario — Quick Overview

There are 3,994 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Ontario, with 590 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in April through July.

When to See Porcupine in Ontario

Most often reported in April through July.

Monthly sightings distribution for Porcupine in Ontario
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January200No
February239No
March243No
April550Yes
May824Yes
June455Yes
July327Yes
August350No
September327No
October215No
November0No
December0No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Porcupine sightings in Ontario 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 Ontario

Live Field Tracking

Track Porcupine in Ontario

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Porcupine is most often reported in Ontario 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 Ontario?

There are 3,994 documented Porcupine records in Ontario. 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 Ontario?

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 Ontario.