Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)

Special Segments Butterflies of North America Conifers of North America Eastern Birds List of N.A. Insects Home Eastern Wildflowers General Topics Natural History Ecology Family Environment Evolution Home Education Home Conservation Geophysics Paleontology Commercial Organizations

Porcupine (Erethizontidae: Erethizon dorsatum)

The Porcupine is a very large rodent found throughout the Northern Boreal Forest, the transition zone with the Eastern Deciduous Forest, and the mountainous regions of the western United States.

Characteristic Features: The Porcupine has a body length of 18 to 24 inches (from head to rump) and weighs in at 10 to 28 pounds. The Porcupine is heavy bodied and has short legs. The body is covered with spines (quills) which are modified hairs. The quills are barbed and are an important defense against predators. The quills, in turn, are covered with a sparse covering of yellow to light brown hairs.

Similar Species: There are no similar species in North America.

Habitat: Porcupines are characteristic of forested areas, although a few have been known to wander into brushy areas.

Food: The primary diet of porcupines is the inner bark of trees as well as tree buds and small twigs. Porcupines, however, will feed on other vegetation and are said to be particularly fond of water lilies.

Behavior: Porcupines are primarily nocturnal, but may be seen during the day in the tops of trees. The animal is awkward and slow, but more adept in trees than on the ground. Porcupines are solitary during the summer, but may form small groups during the winter. When attacked the Porcupine arches its back, erecting its quills, and tries to hide its head under a log or between its paws. The quills are a very effective predator defense. The quills are difficult to remove because of their barbs as anyone with a dog which has encountered a Porcupine can attest. Porcupines are attracted by salt and will go to great lengths to get it. A major mortality source for Porcupines is roads which have been salted during the winter.

Reproduction: Mating takes place in the fall and the young are born in April and May. The normal number of young is one. The young animal is precocious and is able to climb trees and eat solid food within a few hours of birth.