Porcupines do live in Missouri, though they are considered rare. While not a common sight, these unique rodents are part of Missouri’s diverse wildlife.
The Truth About Porcupines in Missouri
Porcupines have a historical connection to Missouri, with archaeological records indicating their presence during prehistoric times. This suggests they were once more widespread, but Missouri is not currently considered a core part of their native range.
Porcupines are seen sporadically within the state. Most observations involve deceased animals found on roadways, indicating their presence. More recently, sightings have reportedly increased over the past decade. For instance, a live porcupine was reported in Taney County in 2017, and another road-killed specimen was found in Pettis County in 2019.
These animals are typically found in forested areas, including coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. They also utilize rocky habitats for shelter. Areas like the Ozark Highlands are potential locations where porcupines might be encountered. Increased sightings could be due to porcupines moving into Missouri from neighboring states like Kansas, or simply an increase in public reporting.
Identifying and Understanding Missouri’s Porcupines
The species found in Missouri is the North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), a large rodent second in size only to the North American beaver. They are easily recognized by their coat of approximately 30,000 quills, which range in color from brownish-yellow to black with white highlights. An adult porcupine typically weighs between 8 and 15 pounds, though some individuals can reach up to 40 pounds.
North American Porcupines are herbivores, and their diet shifts with the seasons. In warmer months, they consume twigs, roots, stems, berries, leaves, and other vegetation, occasionally eating insects and nuts. During winter, their diet primarily consists of conifer needles and the inner bark (cambium layer) of trees, which can sometimes lead to damage or even death of trees. Porcupines also chew on wood to obtain salt, and may gnaw on tool handles, garden hoses, or even tires.
These creatures are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, and are generally slow-moving. While solitary for much of the year, porcupines may occasionally den together in winter for warmth, with groups of up to twelve observed. They are skilled tree climbers, spending considerable time in trees, though they sometimes fall, resulting in healed fractures. They do not hibernate but seek shelter in hollow trees, rocky crevices, caves, or abandoned buildings during harsh weather.
Living Alongside Porcupines
Encountering a porcupine in Missouri requires caution. Porcupines are generally docile and prefer to avoid confrontation, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. If you see a porcupine, observe it from a distance and avoid approaching it. Give the animal ample space to move away.
A common misconception is that porcupines can “shoot” or “throw” their quills. This is not true; their quills are loosely attached and released upon direct contact with a threat. When threatened, a porcupine will turn its back, raise its quills, and may lash its tail, embedding quills into an attacker. The quills have microscopic barbs that make them difficult to remove.
To prevent conflicts with porcupines, especially in residential areas, several measures can be taken:
Secure outdoor pet food and garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Protect trees and gardens with hardware cloth fencing or metal flashing around tree trunks to deter climbing.
Keep exposed wooden structures free of salt accumulation, as porcupines are attracted to it for chewing.
Keep pets, particularly dogs, on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk when porcupines are most active.
If a pet becomes quilled, seek veterinary attention immediately rather than attempting to remove the quills yourself, as improper removal can cause further injury or lead to quills migrating deeper into the tissue.