Tricky Affairs
The porcupine’s perfect defense
The porcupine defends itself with between 15,000 and 30,000 needle-sharp quills. Each quill has barbs that flair out from the shaft that resist being pulled out, but also work themselves in. When challenged, the porcupine simply puts its head between its forelegs and turns its rump to the enemy.
Solitary but not territorial, porcupines may resort to communal denning in cold weather. Breeding, a complicated affair given the quills, occurs in late fall or early winter. Dens are chosen in rocky crevices or hollow logs, and a single kit is born in spring.
The porcupine is primarily nocturnal, but may be seen resting in trees during the day. The underside of the porcupine’s tail is covered with stiff downward pointing bristle to help the animal climb. Getting up the tree is only half the battle! The animal loves to chew and must be able to digest its favorite food-the inner bark of the tree!
Marker can be reached from Pike's Peak Toll Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
