Audubon Magazine: Porcupines and their prickly passion


Photo Credit: Joel Sartore

Throughout most of North America, from the Arctic Ocean to northern Mexico—on forestlands, grasslands, tundra, and desert—porcupines are breeding or thinking about it. One might suppose that sex would be an extremely delicate affair for these squint-eyed, yellow-toothed pincushions. But it is not noteworthy in that regard. What is noteworthy is that it is frequently initiated by the female through high-pitched vocalizations, vaginal secretions, and urine markings. The male follows her, serenading with voluminous humming and grunting.

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Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 12/3/2011 7:00 AM
Categories: Wildlife
Tags: porcupines North America Breeding quills wildlife
 

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