Erethizon dorsatum

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North American Porcupine

taxidermy

Taxonomy:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Rodentia
  • Family: Erethizontidae
  • Genus: Erethizon
  • Species: Erethizon dorsatum

Common Names by Region:

  • North American Porcupine (English)
  • Canadian Porcupine (English)
  • Common Porcupine (English)
  • Quill Pig (English)
  • Hedgehog (English, though not related to European hedgehogs)
  • Urson (French)
  • Hachette (French)
  • Porkupine (English, informal)
  • Whistler (English, referring to vocalizations)

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Description: The North American Porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, is a large rodent characterized by its unique coat of sharp quills. It has a robust body covered in quills ranging in color from brown to black. These quills are modified hairs made of keratin and serve as a defense mechanism. The porcupine’s face features a small nose, rounded ears, and dark eyes. It has strong claws adapted for climbing trees and gripping branches. Adults typically range from 25 to 36 inches (64 to 91 cm) in length, with a weight between 12 to 35 pounds (5.4 to 16 kg).

Known Range: The North American Porcupine is found throughout much of North America, from northern Canada to northern Mexico. It inhabits a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They are adaptable creatures and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.

Diet: North American Porcupines are herbivores, primarily feeding on a diet of leaves, twigs, bark, and green plants. They may also consume fruits, berries, and nuts. During the winter months, they may resort to eating bark from trees when other food sources are scarce.

Breeding and Lifecycle:

  • Breeding: Breeding typically occurs in the fall, with a gestation period of around 7 months. Female porcupines give birth to a single offspring, occasionally twins, in the spring or early summer.
  • Young: Newborn porcupines, called porcupettes, are born with soft quills that harden within a few days. They are precocial and are able to move and feed shortly after birth.
  • Development: Porcupettes stay with their mother for several months, learning essential survival skills such as foraging and climbing. They become independent at around 6 to 8 months old.
  • Lifespan: In the wild, North American Porcupines typically live around 5 to 7 years, while those in captivity may live longer, up to 10-15 years.

Note: Porcupines are known for their defensive behavior of raising their quills when threatened and may use them to strike potential predators. It’s important to exercise caution and give these animals their space to avoid injury.

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