Unread postby Emily86 ?? Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:55 pm Perhaps a reason for coming into close contact with humans they are looking for salt.Porcupines in search of salt sometimes encroach on human habitats, eating plywood cured with sodium nitrate,[2] certain paints, and tool handles, footwear, clothes and other items that have been coated in salty sweat. (wikipedia)