What is a common way that porcupines feed on trees?

Porcupines have a distinct feeding behavior that involves gnawing on the bark of trees. This action allows them to access the soft tissue beneath the bark, which is rich in nutrients. This feeding strategy is crucial for their diet, particularly in the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. The removal of bark not only allows porcupines to consume the nutritious layers of the tree, but also impacts the tree’s health by creating wounds that could lead to disease or slow growth.

While porcupines do enjoy fruits and can have a varied diet that sometimes includes tree sap, the specific action of removing bark is the most characteristic and significant method of feeding on trees. This behavior aligns with the adaptive strategies porcupines have developed to survive in their environments, particularly as they favor species like conifers and broadleaf trees.