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North American Porcupine
Erethizon
dorsatum
Description: The underfur is soft, covered with longer, coarse guard hair, among which grow quills. They reach adult size at 3-4 years.
Range: Alaska, Canada, all western states to northern Mexico. Found locally in the Sierra and San Bernadino Mountains.
Habitat: Forests, preferably with conifers or poplars.
Vocalizations: They snort, bark, and make high-pitched squeaks as well as groaning and crying sounds.
Diet: Summer:
Twigs, leaves, buds, nuts, berries, flowers.
Winter: Conifer needles and inner bark
of conifers and hardwoods.
Habits: Nocturnal. Moves slowly.
Reproduction: One young is born in April to June, after a 219 day gestation. The young can climb trees and eat leaves at two days old.
General Information: Quills are modified hairs, sharp and mostly hollow. It is a misconception that porcupines can throw their quills. The quills must be touched in order for them to be released. Porcupines are semi-arboreal, nearsighted, and have a keen sense of touch, smell and hearing.