Erethizon dorsatum
A slow, pigeon-toed climber that leaves pebbly-textured prints and quills in the snow.
2–3.5 in long. Pebbled sole texture, no visible pads. Long claw marks well ahead of the toes. Toes point inward — pigeon-toed waddle. Trough-like trail in snow with quill drag.
Conifer and mixed forest, rocky dens. Canada, northern and western U.S..
Nocturnal
Bark, cambium, buds, leaves
Porcupines can't throw quills — the quills just detach on contact.
Should I be concerned?
Never let dogs near one. Quills barb and require a vet.