A young porcupine was recently seen hanging around a heavily trafficked trail in Robinson Woods, which serves as a good reminder that our preserves are home to an abundance of wildlife.
These large rodents have a built-in defense system – over 20,000 spiny quills. It’s a common misconception that they can shoot these quills. Instead, they tighten their muscles to stand the quills up and hit their attackers with their tails, the quills easily dislodging from the porcupine’s skin and embedding into their target with barbed ends.
Curious dogs are often susceptible to this painful defense, and it is important to be aware of our wild neighbors when enjoying a walk in the woods. All dogs must be leashed in Robinson Woods on all trails from 9am-3pm from October-May and from 9am-5pm the rest of the year. During off-leash hours, dogs must still be in sight and under voice control.
Be a friend to wildlife and keep your pets safe!
