Field Guide/Mammals/North American Porcupine

North American Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum North American Porcupine, sleeping in tree.jpg Erethizonidae Total length: 25-40 inches, 645-1030 mm Tail length: 6-12 inches, 145-300 mm Height: 1-2 inches, 25-42 mm Weight: 7-40 pounds, 3.5-18 kg Woods C.A. 1973 Erethizon dorsatum Mammalian Species 29 1–6 A prickly, barb covered creature that is dark brown and black in color. Quills found on dorsal surface are white tipped to ward off predators.Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Erethizon_dorsatum.html September 23, 2012 Lack canine teeth and possess exceptionally long claws.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012 The North American Porcupine is similar to the Central or South American porcupine, but is more likely to be found in a cold environment.Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Erethizon_dorsatum.html September 23, 2012 North American Porcupines are found in the northern tier of the United States, specifically Alaska and California. The northern Great Lakes region, including Minnesota, also houses a large number of this species.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012 Open tundra and deciduous forests are common habitats for the North American Porcupine. Groundcover, trees, and stone den shelters are utilized based on climate and elevations. During winter months, it is more common to find a porcupine in stone lodging, but will make due with trees if that is their only option.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012 All porcupines are herbivores. Foods rich in nitrogen, protein, and fiber such as bark, phloem, twigs, sugar maple buds, etc. are often consumed as staples in their diets.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012 Porcupines are nocturnal, as they feed at night in order to harness additional nutrients in their foods. Their dominant and protective nature keeps both males and females within a specific “home range” for approximately three rounds of mating.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012 Females initiate mating season annually by marking their territories and emitting vaginal secretions attracting males. Males will fight to mate with specific females. Alpha males are typically larger in nature, providing a good line of genetics to the offspring. When females have been fertilized, their gestation period will span around 200 days. Offspring are cared for by the female, gaining full independence within a year of birth.Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Erethizon_dorsatum.html September 23, 2012 Up to 18 years.Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Erethizon_dorsatum.html September 23, 2012 A porcupine's quills act as a high quality defensive mechanism, both warding off predators through an ominous color contrast (white on black) and by acting as a barrier when under attack.Shefferly Nancy Weber Christopher 2012 North American Porcupine http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Erethizon_dorsatum/ September 23, 2012