Do Porcupines Lay Eggs or Give Birth to Young?
Like most mammals, porcupines give birth to live young and do not lay eggs. The only two mammals that lay eggs are the platypus and the echidna, which has spines similar to that of a porcupine.
Typically, only one newborn porcupine arrives in the spring. Called porcupettes, these babies weigh about one pound, are born with their quills, and stay with their mother for up to six weeks. By the fall, young are left to fend for themselves.
Removing Problem Porcupines
Porcupines tend to be solitary animals and can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. The pests have an insatiable need for sodium, leading them to seek out anything salty. This can include tool handles, which may have human sweat on them, and even automobile parts that gather road salt.
A breeding porcupine often seeks refuge under outbuildings and sheds, which can also become an issue. Though porcupines do not lay eggs, they do protect their babies with their dangerous quills. In order to deal with these pests safely, contact the wildlife experts at Critter Control.