FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Beware the Porcupine

Was just reading a trail book by Roger Mitchell. He’s written a ton of trail books over many years. He noted that the U.S Forest Service informed him of an issue concerning the porcupine. They habitat areas in the Sierra’s from 4,000 to 10,000 feet, but are not found in great numbers. I figured he was going to give a warning not to back over one so you didn’t get a flat tire. They are nocturnal animals, and have “developed a taste for neoprene or butyl brake lines, fan belts, and radiator hoses.” It has been reported that the porcupine has snacked on 4-wheelers rigs while the campers were sleeping off the fun of that day & night. The U.S. Forest Service suggested to Mr. Mitchell that people surround their vehicles with 3 foot high chicken wire. I don’t know how practical that is, but I generally have enough empty beer cans/bottles to lie around my rig as a warning.

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on March 26, 2012 at 8:56pm

Wow. Who would have thought of the porcupine being a animal to be weary of in the wild.

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on March 26, 2012 at 9:14pm

Where's the "Like" button when you need one. lol

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Permalink Reply by Cowboy on March 26, 2012 at 9:22pm

The only porcupine I have ever seen were in Alaska. The locals reminded me to zip up my tent when I wasn't using it because a porcupine will come inside. "Yikes!"