Signs that a porcupine is orphaned: Baby porcupines may be left at the base of a tree while the mother forages for food. If a baby is alone, check to see if the mother returns after a few hours or before night time. If a porcupine is alone without their mother and the mother does not return to retrieve the baby, the baby is weak or thin, if the baby shows any signs of injury or illness, or the mother is clearly dead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.