Can Porcupines Climb Trees?

When you think of rodents, you probably conjure up images of rats and mice, but porcupines are included under the rodent umbrella. They are larger than their counterparts and fierce protectors of their porcupettes, using their entire bodies as shields to protect them. Discover more about this species and find out if porcupines can climb trees!

Species Profile: Porcupines

Porcupines are distinguished by their long quills, which are hollow and their ultimate defense mechanism. Contrary to popular belief, these quills do not shoot out like arrows, but they do pierce predators if they get too close. In North America, porcupines grow to weigh about 20 pounds and their colorations range between black and a brownish-yellow color. They mostly live on land and are quite adept at swimming when they need to.

Where Do Porcupines Live?

North American porcupines live in North America, from Canada down to the northern portion of Mexico. Their habitats are varied, sometimes around desert environments and other times in forests. In Europe, Africa, and Asia, there are old-world porcupines, which are rather stocky with round heads. They too have sharp, stiff quills.

How Many Kinds of Porcupines Are There?

There are a total of 58 species of porcupines that each fall under either the Old World porcupines (Hystricidae) or the New World (Erethizontidae) porcupines. Some of those 58 species include:

• Crested porcupine (scientific name: Hystrix cristata)
• Indian crested porcupine (scientific name: Hystrix indica)
• Cape porcupine (scientific name: Hystrix africaeaustralis)
• Malayan porcupine (scientific name: Hystrix brachyura)
• Andean porcupine (scientific name: Coendou quichua)
• Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine (scientific name: Sphiggurus mexicanus)

What Do Porcupines Eat?

Porcupines eat vegetation. They may snack on leaves and roots or twigs and grass. They may also enjoy some berries and fruit and tend to gravitate to apple, oak, and maple trees.

Are Porcupines Able to Climb Trees?

Yes, porcupines can climb trees! They mostly spend their time securely on the ground but if they need to swim, they do, and if they need to climb, they do! They’re very good climbers and make it to the tops of trees with ease. Sometimes, they even build their nests up in trees but on most occasions, they are looking for something to snack on.

Are Porcupines Endangered?

Federally within the U.S., porcupines are not listed as an endangered species. However, in Maryland, porcupines are watch-listed. In Southeast Asia, porcupines may become endangered due to poaching. In traditional Chinese medicine, certain plants are highly revered. Porcupines have exactly the plants needed for medicinal practices undigested in their guts making them attractive to poachers.