Photo
Credits: NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission Photo
Biology
Can climb
Does not hibernate
Lives in dry land
Is
nocturnal
Dens will be used for years.
Sign
A
Ventral View Description: This shows the unusual cusp pattern on the
teeth. Photo Credits: Dallas Virchow
A
Porcupine skull. Description: Similar to a beaver skull but less massive. Photo Credits: Dallas Virchow
Damage
tree deformation via bark removal;
Porcupine
damage Description: Ponderosa Pine bark is removed. Photo Credits: Dallas Virchow
An
old scar left by porcupine gnawing Description: A complete debarking around a limb can kill it. Photo Credits: Dallas Virchow
Porcupines also damage plywood, leather goods;
grains, alfalfa, sweet corn. Items impregnated with salt are particularly at risk.
Solution
Habitat Modification
Fencing may prove effective.
Removal of caves and rock piles where porcupines like to live.
No known trees that are avoided by a hungry porcupine.
Repellents
Certain wood-preservatives have been found to stop the gnawing of porcupines.
Trapping
body grip, footholds and cage traps.
Due to their low mobility, set location is critical.
Shooting
Porcupines are slow moving and easily shot.
Diseases-Safety
Porcupines do NOT throw their quills.
Pets that tangle with porcupines can suffer terribly from the quills. We have heard that the best way to remove quills is to cut the tips first to let out the air which will collapse the quill allowing for easier removal. We would welcome further input on this. The quills have microscopic barbs on the tips.
A
Ventral View
A
Porcupine skull.
Porcupine
damage 
An
old scar left by porcupine gnawing