how do porcupines mate? I think it would be hard what with the quills and all?

Answer 1

Very carefully would be my first response. Of course then I looked it up so I could be helpful. ;)

Apparently the Australian National University was wondering the same thing and a Wendy Cooper there wrote an article explaining it. You can find it below.

The basic technique, according to the article is such:

"Mating occurred in November or December. While females at the peak of receptivity would accept any male, males required a period of close association with the females before they would mate with them. The male made sexual contact from behind the female. The spines of both animals were relaxed and lay flat. His thrusts were of the "usual nature" and were produced by flexing and straightening the knees. Males did not grasp the female in any way. Mating continued until the male was exhausted. Each time he broke away from the female she would re-establish contact. One younger female made grunting and whining sounds throughout. If males refused to co-operate, the female approached a nearby male and acted out the male role in coition with the uninvolved male. Females only remained sexually receptive for a few hours and then rejected males."

Answer 2

First they chat a little and try to determine an interest level. If that goes well they go out to dinner and share a glass of wine or two. If things still seem to be okay they may go back to the "digs" and snuggle a while and eventually they may have a physical relationship. I think???

Answer 3

the female rolls over and they have it missionary style, just like my wife and I do. She's a prickly ***** too!

Answer 4

they can stand them up or lay them down, much
as a dogs fur. [down for sex]