North American Porcupine - Zoo Resource Library

Animals North American Porcupine

North American Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum

Animalia Chordata Mammalia Rodentia Erethizontidae Erethizon

North American Porcupine Sitting On Top Of Tree

Description

The North American Porcupine averages 3.5 feet in length, including a 6-inch tail, and can weigh up to 40 pounds. The upper body is covered with sharp quills nestled among long, thick fur ranging down the tail. The underside is covered with long, dark fur. The feet have a naked sole with 4 toes on the front feet and 5 toes on the hind feet.

Range

The North American Porcupine's range includes Alaska, Canada, the United States. except the southeast quarter, and the extreme north of Mexico.

Habitat

North American Porcupines inhabit timbered and wooded areas.

Gestation

Gestation is 7 months.

Litter

Usually 1

Behavior

North American Porcupine's are mainly nocturnal, and while foraging, continually sniff the air. They do not hibernate in the winter but will remain in the den during extreme cold or stormy weather. They are rarely known to attack but will defend themselves when attacked by climbing or fleeing. If cornered, they use the quilled tail for defense. Contrary to popular belief, they do not shoot these quills, but they back into the foe, causing the lightly-attached quills to detach themselves when entering the enemy's skin. They crave salt, and often gnaw at machinery, gloves, boots, saddles and bottles which have been touched by sweaty hands. Their predators are the wolverine, puma, and fisher-marten. Other carnivores will attack porcupines only as a last resort.

Reproduction

Mating of North American Porcupines occurs in the fall or early winter. The courtship consists of extensive vocalizing and a kind of dance. The young are born from April to June.