Where does the North American porcupine live?
The North American porcupine lives in coniferous and mixed forested areas, as well as shrublands and tundra, across North America. It makes dens in hollow trees or rocky areas. It is the second largest rodent in North America, after the beaver. Its ancestors are believed to have crossed the Atlantic from Africa to Brazil 30 million years ago, and then migrated to North America 3 million years ago.
What does the North American porcupine eat?
In summer, it eats twigs, roots, stems, fruits, leaves and other vegetation. In winter, it eats mainly conifer needles and tree bark. An adult has about 30,000 quills, which cover its body except the underbelly, face and feet. It does not throw them: they detach on contact and embed in flesh thanks to microscopic barbs. Its primary predator is the fisher.
Is the North American porcupine endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It is common throughout its range except in the south-eastern United States. It has a head-and-body length of 60 to 90 cm, not counting a tail of 14.5 to 30 cm, and weighs 3.5 to 18 kg.
