Oh, quills. It's porcupine mating season. Now through November, you're most likely to see these super cute dudes wandering around rocky escarpments, sand sage, and prairie grass.
Because they're more likely to run away from you, they pose less of a risk to humans, but an enticing game of chase for dogs that never ends well.
We've had two separate cases this week of dogs chasing and attacking porcupines. Their backward-facing barbs get stuck in their tongues, gums, face, and legs when the dogs try to catch our generally slow-moving and docile friends.
So keep an eye on your hikes and in the fields. No one wants a face full of barbs, and the porcupine is far more afraid of you than you are of it.
If you encounter an injured porcupine, please contact your local Animal Control or Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
If your pet has porcupine quills, please contact our Urgent Care Clinic. We're more than happy to remove them and help your pets feel better!
Note: Porcupines are mammals and have been known to carry fleas, ticks, and rabies. Keep your pets protected by keeping them up to date on vaccinations and on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.