ABSTRACT
In fall and winter, porcupines feed on the needles and the inner bark (phloem) of trees. Porcupines are active throughout the year, although movements may be much reduced in the winter in comparison to those of spring and summer. In the eastern US and Canada, porcupines are reported to gather at winter denning areas. No such change in seasonal habitat use has been reported for the western US Absolute census Porcupines are easily counted during the winter months in areas where there is snow. Conduct the search several days after a fresh snowfall to ensure that tracks and cuttings of vegetation by porcupines in trees will exist. If only one or a few people are involved, it may be necessary to capture and mark all porcupines found. Porcupines cannot be easily censused in fall and winter in areas with no snow.
