iN PHOTOS: A bit about prickly porcupines in Kamloops, Okanagan

It isn’t uncommon to come across a porcupine in the forests, grasslands or rockier slopes in Kamloops and the Okanagan, and the creatures are pretty fascinating.

With stocky bodies, tiny heads and a rocking gait, the large rodents have unique defence mechanisms to protect themselves against predators like coyotes and fishers, and can live up to two decades in the wild.

Porcupines have long, sharp quills or modified hairs that can be easily detached and embedded into the skin of predators. When approached by a predator, the porcupine will raise and rattle the quills as a warning.

If the predator persists, the porcupine will stamp its feet and swipe its tail before turnings its back and exposing its quills.

Despite their stocky stature and pigeon-toed feet, porcupines can swiftly climb trees to get away from predators. A nocturnal animal, they also climb trees to sleep during the day.

The backend of a porcupine in the Kamloops area looks dangerous.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Doug Giles

Another way porcupines defend themselves is by emitting a strong odour to deter other animals.

Porcupines are found across North America and feed on bark, twigs, leave and fruits.

At this time of the year the females are preparing to give birth in dens made in tree hollows and rocky crevices.

iNFOnews.ca is looking for early springtime photographs conveying new beginnings and cheerful blooms to be published in a late March collection. Submission deadline is March 28, send photos to news@infonews.ca.

This hairy porcupine is seen in Kamloops in spring.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Doug Giles

A rescued porcupine is pictured recovering at Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in the South Okanagan in November, 2024.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society

Miss Pickles is an ambassador for her species at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC Wildlife Park