A large African exotic porcupine has been caught in Spanaway after months of roaming neighborhoods and eating out of vegetable gardens.
As early as March, residents near Military Road reported sightings of the porcupine, which likely belongs to one of the largest porcupine species in the world, the African crested porcupine. They do not attack but can pose a danger with their long quills if scared.
“Porky”, as it is now named, was likely part of the exotic breed trade and either ran away or was abandoned by his or her owners. The animal evaded efforts to trap it for months.
The porcupine is currently at A Soft Place to Land and will be transferred to the Oregon Zoo. Porcupines can live 20 years in captivity.
