How Cute Is a Maine Baby Porcupine? This Abandoned Porcupette is Adorable

I learned a new word today, 'porcupette'.  That's what a baby porcupine is called and it seems very appropriate.

According to Maine's Center for Wildlife Facebook page, a porcupine is like other mammals when it comes to mothers.  They too need the mother's milk to sustain and thrive, as well as a safe environment from predators.  Without mom around, the porcupettes chances for survival is slim.

This little porcupette's mother was trapped and relocated, but the resident didn't know there was a young one about the area too.  When found, she was brought the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, Maine.

This is where she remains, but is not actually thriving yet, as she seems depressed about not having her mom around, according to the post, and she needs to be away from humans.

The Center does all it can to provide care for wildlife, and there are many animals there. As a non-profit organization it relies heavily on donations.

For now, Miss Porcupette is doing her best to adapt in her new surroundings, feeding on clover, raspberry leaves, acorns,and beechnut.  The females are usually with the mothers for at least the first six months of life.

If you'd like to donate specifically to the porcupette's cause, check out the Facebook post here.

Here's more information about porcupines you might not know, courtesy of the Center for Wildlife in Maine.

- Porcupines don't throw their quills. Dogs get them in their face when they bite a porcupine.

- Porcupines do not destroy trees.

-  It's important to coexist with wildlife. If you relocate them, another or the same species will takes its place, so close up holes under your deck, and in your house and learn how to live with them.  They all have a purpose, just like you.