05/10/2026
We have four porcupines in care all from the same property, with several more to catch. All have mange from infestation of mange mites, and the two tested so far have clinical levels of lead. we don't know where the lead came from although it can be in the soil around old houses. Both conditions are made worse by the homeowner gathering them together by feeding them. No wild animals need or should be fed by humans, with the exception of perhaps hummingbirds and feeder birds who only snack at feeder stations and get their real food in the wild. Yes its fun to watch the wildlife that comes to your backyard, but this cluster of sick porcupines shows only one of the
many downsides; the easy passage of mites by close proximity and poor health from eating the wrong foods making them more susceptible to parasites. Wild animals are professionals, gathering their own food, separate on their own territories, eating only food that is good for them. If you want to help wildlife provide very shallow clean water, plant your yard with native plants, and don't use pesticides or rodenticide.
