On the Ground: Spring Volunteer Opportunities

If you have ever been outdoors in northern Michigan, you may have encountered the great North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). This critter uses its quills as part of its unique defense system to effectively ward off predators. Some people may be surprised to learn the porcupine can be legally hunted or trapped year-round in Michigan. Whether you hunt or consider yourself a nature-enthusiast, it is best to know about these animals and the associated myths before venturing into their range. Myths Debunked North American Porcupine with quills on demonstration. Courtesy of Wikimedia. A common myth regarding the quills of a porcupine, is their ability to be launched from afar to attack predators. In reality, the quills must come in direct contact with the target to be stuck. These quills have microscopic barbs on the end that resist being pulled ‘out’ of the skin due to facing the opposite direction. In contrast, the African counterpart of this species has larger quills without barbs along with a larger body. If you or a pet are quilled, it is commonly debated whether cutting off the tips will release pressure in the quill for easy removal. VCA Animal Hospital states this often causes the quill to splinter making removal harder and more dangerous. When an embedded quill is splintered, the chances of fragments breaking off in the body and migrating to vital organs are higher. What to do when quilled? If your dog is quilled, VCA Animal Hospital recommends not attempting to remove quills yourself. Home removal without pain management may lead to abnormally aggressive responses from the pet due to the pain. It is best to minimize movement to prevent further pushing the quills internally and seek medical attention. A veterinarian can remove the quills and monitor for infections deeper in the tissues if a fragment is left behind. Overall, it is best to remove quills quickly to prevent them from working further into the body and minimize pain. Quills move internally by about one inch per day as estimated by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife exemplifying the importance of quill removal. To minimize breakage, grab the tip of the quill with pliers and pull in the same direction of entry. The area can also be marked after removal to continue monitoring for infection or irritation. Evidence of porcupine feeding on a tree. Courtesy of USDA Forest Service. Habitat and Behavior Porcupines are found in primarily coniferous forested areas across the northern portion of North America. These porcupines are herbivores with the ability to climb trees depending on the resources available. They also feed on tree bark which can be an indicator they are in the area. They typically den in the same location year after year during bad weather but do not hibernate over the winter. Vermont Fish and Wildlife states the North American Porcupine residing in territories from 6 to 14 acres, typically preferring to be solitary. They use their quills on their rear end for protection and warding off predators from their territory. Predation and Hunting While the porcupine does have a menacing appearance with aposematic coloration, they do have natural predators. Fishers are one of the known predators, attacking in a way to avoid the quills and flip the porcupine on its back for easier attack. Other predators include wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and even great horned owls. Find more information about the North American Porcupine at the Animal Diversity Web . Due to their foraging habits, porcupines can cause damage to forests which could be problematic for management of stands if the population is high. Porcupines also pose a threat to humans and pets that venture into their territory, especially those who may be unaware of their presence. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states year-round hunting or trapping available for this species, along with a few others. To legally harvest a porcupine, all you need is a current base license per the Small Game Hunting Regulations . Historically, porcupine quills were repurposed in crafting and decorating clothes by natives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Nov. 13, 2024 Contact: Chris Gautz, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications , cgautz@byrumfisk.com Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Insurance Alliance of Michigan urge hunters, drivers to help reduce crashes LANSING – Vehicle crashes involving deer are continuing at an alarming pace, with Michigan averaging more than 360 each day in November, the height of deer season. This year, the Insurance Alliance of Michigan (IAM) is teaming up with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) to encourage hunting and provide helpful information to drivers to avoid crashes. “There are more than 2 million deer in the state, and one way to manage the population and reduce the number of crashes involving deer is through hunting,” said Amy Trotter , chief executive officer of the MUCC. “The more hunters we have in Michigan and the more success they have, the more we can reduce the deer population where necessary and help prevent crashes.” Last year, Michigan’s deer harvest increased by 2%, with 347,008 deer harvested across all seasons. MUCC is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation whose mission is to is to encourage people to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. IAM is the leading voice for property and casualty insurers in Michigan and represents companies large and small across the state. “At this time every year, we know deer are even more active across Michigan, and we urge drivers to be aware and stay safe on the roads,” said IAM executive director Erin McDonough . “The past two years were the two highest years for deer-related crashes in a decade. We need all drivers to stay focused on the road, especially at dawn and dusk, so they stay safe and help prevent collisions.” In 2023, November was the worst month for deer-auto collisions, with 11,145 total crashes. The majority of those crashes occurred in the early morning hours between 6-9 a.m. The counties with the most reported vehicle crashes involving deer in 2023 were: Kent County (2,171) Oakland County (2,125) Genesee County (1,605) Allegan County (1,545) Jackson County (1,521) Ottawa County (1,517) Lapeer County (1,505) Calhoun County (1,332) Washtenaw County (1,320) Clinton County (1,306) “No matter where you are driving in the state, the danger of a collision with a deer is real,” McDonough said. IAM recommends the following safety tips: Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas. Always wear your seat belt. Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as more could be out of sight. Deer often travel single file, so if you see one cross a road it’s likely more are nearby waiting to cross. When startled by an approaching vehicle, deer can panic and dart out from any direction. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and then proceed to steer your vehicle off the roadway. In the unfortunate event a collision with a deer does occur, there is one way to make the best of the situation. Trotter said the driver of the vehicle that unintentionally hits a deer has the first right to claim the deer, but if they do not, another individual may take it for salvage after obtaining a salvage tag . Over the past two years, there have been more than 117,000 deer involved crashes, yet only 595 salvage tags for deer that have been killed have been issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Choosing to salvage deer is one way in which residents can make the best out of an unfortunate situation, while providing nutritious food to their families or those in need,” Trotter said. Salvaging deer helps to keep roadways clear and can provide nutritious meals. Most deer can provide 160 high-protein meals. If the person salvaging the deer is unable to process it or does not want it, another individual can claim the deer with a free salvage tag. # # #  The Insurance Alliance of Michigan is a government affairs and public information association that represents auto, home and business insurance companies and related organizations operating in Michigan. Learn more about IAM and its members on Facebook , X or at insurancealliancemichigan.org . Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation. Founded in 1937, its mission is to unite citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. This mission drives everything done as an organization. Follow MUCC on Facebook , Instagram , X , and YouTube , or at mucc.org .