Porcupines, which are the second largest member of the rodent family (Rodentia) and in the Beaver State (named after the largest member of the Rodentia), are classified as an unprotected species. But this status may change depending upon a new study of North American porcupines being initiated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“Historically, they were so abundant in Oregon that there were no concerns regarding their populations,” said Mikayla Bivona, ODFW acting Prineville assistant wildlife biologist. “Unfortunately, anecdotal evidence suggests that their populations are declining across the western United States and we’re seeing more and more people asking, ‘Why?’”
Recent research on Pacific Northwest porcupine populations, published in 2021 in “Northwestern Naturalist” by Cara L. Appel and others, indicates declines in the population that include human persecution and habitat selection changes. Road mortality may also be a factor as these slow-moving creatures attempt to amble across busy roads. “Because of this and other reasons, ODFW will add the North American porcupine to the state’s list of species of greatest conservation need in 2026,” Bivona said.
The study area encompasses the Deschutes Watershed, from Gilchrest north to The Dalles and areas east of Post and Paulina. ODFW biologists from different districts within the study area will participate in the study, along with numerous volunteers. “We have a limited staff available to work on this project, and our study funding also requires us to utilize match funds through volunteer hours,” added Bivona. “In short, this project would not be possible without our volunteers!”
Joshua Benjamin, a volunteer from Vancouver, Washington, traveled to Central Oregon recently to participate in a training program. “The North American porcupine is one of the most eclectic extant mammals on the continent and I’m always looking for another excuse to venture back into Oregon, so this program seemed to really appeal to me and my interests,” said Benjamin. “Presently, I have time to contribute to conservation efforts through volunteerism, which has been a richly rewarding experience.”
ODFW staff began this project in June 2025 and combed through iNaturalist for historic and recent porcupine observations. Utilizing this data, ODFW staff began placing trail cameras in likely locations where these prickly creatures live. This non-invasive trail camera technique combines with searches for tracks, scat, chewed twigs, or the tell-tale stink of a wild porcupine.
Other partners on the project include the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, The Wildlife Ecology Institute, and the High Desert Museum.
“The High Desert Museum is key in this volunteer effort, as they are supplying the trail cameras for our volunteers to search areas to detect porcupines,” said Bivona. “In addition to helping us on the project, volunteers are also uploading their observations (porcupine and otherwise) to iNaturalist in an effort to get more people involved on that website.”
“Porcupines’ home ranges shrink drastically in the wintertime, oftentimes limiting themselves to their den and a specific tree to feed on,” Bivona said. “Volunteers will continue surveying for porcupines in the winter; however, the survey methods and accessibility will change given the snow cover.” ODFW also plans to radio collar some porcupines to track their seasonal movements.
Though armed with quills that can inflict a lot of misery to predators and overly curious dogs, porcupines have a very appealing appearance.
Dr. Tim Beam, Cal Poly professor and porcupine researcher, described porcupines this way in an Ologies podcast, “What makes them so compelling is that they are dopey, loveable and sweet and almost apologetic that they are unhuggable.”
However, the charismatic nature of porcupines only carries them so far. Even their scientific name, Erethizon is from a Greek word meaning “irritating.” Also known as “thorny pigs,” porcupines have been persecuted for their damage to orchards, woodland trees and expensive trips to a veterinary clinic — even though it’s the dog’s damn fault. Bounties once existed but now ODFW and other researchers in the West are trying to get rewarded with sightings of these desert dwellers.
ODFW will conduct additional volunteer trainings for those interested in the program. Interested volunteers can sign up on the ODFW website and will be notified about the next training session. Also, incidental sightings can be submitted to ODFW via a reporting form found on the website.
ODFW Volunteer Sign-Up
myodfw.com/volunteer
This article appears in the Source October 16, 2025.
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