Female porcupines are only receptive a few hours a year. Foreplay consists of being soaked with urine by the male.

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An elaborate courtship takes place between porcupines prior to mating in the fall.

With considerable vocalization, the male porcupine squirts urine all over the female, thoroughly soaking her.

If the timing isn't right, she simply shakes herself off and ambles away.

If she remains, mating ensues, often after a second soaking.

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