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Porcupine in Washington

Porcupine in Washington

Erethizon dorsatum

Porcupine in Washington — Quick Overview

There are 457 recorded sightings of Porcupine in Washington, with 53 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in August through November.

When to See Porcupine in Washington

Most often reported in August through November.

Monthly sightings distribution for Porcupine in Washington
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January38No
February29No
March40No
April49No
May35No
June0No
July31No
August40Yes
September49Yes
October40Yes
November51Yes
December0No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Porcupine sightings in Washington 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 Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Porcupine is most often reported in Washington in August through November, 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 Washington?

There are 457 documented Porcupine records in Washington. 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 Washington?

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 Washington.