Prickly Business: North American Porcupine

Logan Schultz • November 14, 2024

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. 

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Drivers Beware: Deer Involved Crashes Continue At Alarming Pace

By Tyler Mehigh • November 12, 2024
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 .

November 2024 NRC Recap

By Logan Schultz • November 7, 2024
No items were up for information or action at the November Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting today. The meeting took place at Lansing Community College Downtown Campus. At the meeting NRC Chair Tom Baird announced that he will not be seeking a second term on the commission. Chair Baird was appointed to the commission in March 2021 by Governor Whitmer. His term expires at the end of December. Commissioners heard several presentations around a DNR policy on how to handle beavers that are having an adverse effect on trout streams. The policy is a decision tree that is intended to create a set of criteria on when removal of a beaver(s) and dams is warranted. Commissioners set aside time on their agenda to have a discussion separate from the presentations to talk about their thoughts on the policy. There were also a number of land transactions on the agenda. MUCC reviews all land transactions exceeding 80 acres, of which there are two. Read MUCC’s NRC preview for more information. The NRC meets on Thursday, December 12, at Lansing Community College West Campus.  To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .

Hunter Education Preparedness

By Logan Schultz • November 6, 2024
As we are getting closer to Michigan’s firearm deer season next week, make sure you are up to date on all regulations to stay safe. If you need to buy a license, they can be purchased through eLicense , a DNR customer service center , or a license retailer . Anyone who plans on hunting should practice basic safety to keep yourself and anyone around you safe. Hunter safety education is a valuable tool provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to teach safe practices to hunters of all ages. Hunter Education Instructor assisting at a field day. Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Who needs Hunter Education? In Michigan, anyone born after January 1, 1960, is required to take a hunter safety course to buy a license and hunt. There is currently no minimum age requirement to take the course, and you do not need to be a resident of the state. How to Find a Hunter Education Course Find Michigan’s Hunter Safety Courses HERE where you can sign up for courses, field days, and view hunting laws. Multiple modalities are now offered including the traditional classroom, online course, interactive online course, and take home study course each with an additional in-person field day. Michigan Laws The state of Michigan has various hunting regulations to abide by with the interest of keeping everyone safe. Be sure to read the hunters digest for the season you are participating in to find regulations like shooting hours, equipment and weapon regulations, and other important safety topics. Equipment To ensure the safety and visibility of individuals, various laws are put in place by the state regarding hunting. During firearm season, it is required to wear an orange outer layer that is visible 360 degrees around a person. If camouflaged orange is worn, it must be no less than 50% orange. However, if hunting with archery equipment outside of firearm season, orange is not a requirement. If you elect to use elevated platforms like tree stands while hunting, they must be portable and can only be installed between September 1 and March 1. Ground blinds and elevated platforms should be labeled with your name and address, driver’s license number, or DNR Sportscard. Keep in mind, it is considered unlawful to penetrate tree bark with screws, nails, or bolts to secure a stand or install attachments. Additionally, limbs cannot be cut to be used to construct a blind or improve visibility. Weapons Equipment restrictions are in place for both archery and firearm hunting in Michigan and can be dependent on location. When hunting archery, arrows and bolts need to be a minimum of 14 inches long with a broadhead at least 7/8 inches wide. For season dates and crossbow restrictions, visit the Michigan DNR equipment regulations page. Michigan map of hunting and trapping zones including the limited firearm boundary. Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In contrast, hunting with firearms has more location-specific regulations than the archery requirements. If hunting north of the limited firearm boundary, it is legal to hunt deer during firearm season with any caliber except .22 caliber or smaller rimfire. While hunting south of the limited firearm boundary, there are several regulations regarding the size and type of firearm that is allowed when hunting. No more than six shells can be in the barrel and magazine combined in a semi-automatic shotgun or rifle. Firearms must be unloaded during transportation and arrows should be quivered. Tracking If a deer is shot and runs to other private land, the hunter must ask for the landowner’s written or verbal permission before tracking and harvesting the deer. If the deer is pursued without permission, a conservation officer may be involved, and the individual would be subject to prosecution for trespassing. Tree Stand Safety When using a tree stand to hunt, there can be a lot of room for error. Before using tree stand equipment, inspect straps and chains for wear, fatigue, weak spots, or missing pieces. For safety in the stand, identify and utilize the fall-arrest system on your tree stand while observing the environmental conditions. When looking to install a stand, scout the area early to identify dead or dying trees to decrease safety risks. Utilize a lifeline when climbing in or out of a tree stand and a haul line for equipment transport to ensure 3 points of contact at all times. Trail cameras can be used to scout animal activity in an area and identify potential predators. Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Scouting OnX memberships are helpful when scouting as it shows property boundaries and leaf-off imagery. If you are a member of MUCC, you will receive a free 1-month elite membership along with several other partner discounts . Sign up to become a new member of MUCC to receive a free 3-month elite trial . In planning ahead, speak to adjacent landowners before hunting season to build a relationship in case tracking is needed. If the adjacent private land does not have a house, you can use the OnX app to identify the landowner. Scouting the area you intend to hunt can also reveal wildlife activity like game trails, scat evidence, or tree scrapes. It is important to know the landscape you hunt to ensure safety when going out in the dark or tracking. Best scouting practice includes visiting the intended hunting area early in the year and before going out for the season. Emergency Planning Preparing an emergency response plan is essential before going into the woods. Try to plan for no cell service in the area, even if you know there is usually service. Whenever possible, hunt with a partner and know their location to prevent accidents. Always tell at least one person where you are going to hunt and when you plan to return. Additionally, keep a charged cell phone and two-way radio device accessible when hunting for communication. Maintain an emergency first aid kit and make note of the contact information and location of the nearest hospital. In any case, be able to positively identify your target before taking a shot and follow appropriate hunting light guidelines. You can also change your voicemail describing your location to notify anyone that calls you, even after your phone dies. More Information For more details on the Michigan DNR hunting regulations, visit HERE for the table of contents page. For more information on the Hunter Safety Certificate, visit the Michigan DNR site HERE .
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