UTAH, Feb. 22, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — If you are walking near bare-branched trees or along river corridors, the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources has a suggestion.
Glance toward the treetops for a chance to spot a “majestic Rocky Mountain sloth” — otherwise known as a porcupine.
“Porcupines can be easier to spot in the winter — especially near the tops of trees along river corridors, like this one at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge,” the Utah DWR social media post says, sharing the photo above.
The post also shares the following porcupine facts:
- They are a protected rodent species in Utah.
- In the winter, they mainly eat the bark of trees and shrubs, as well as budding leaves.
- Baby porcupines are called porcupettes.
- They have about 30,000 quills on their body, which have a barbed end.
- When attacked by a predator, the loosely attached quills will detach. Contrary to popular belief, they do not shoot their quills.
For more information on porcupines in Utah, follow Wild Aware Utah!
