North American Porcupine
![porcupine](/sites/default/files/styles/zoo_animal_banner_900_x_300/public/2024-07/banner_porcupine%20afl.jpg?itok=YpiVaQtN)
Common Name:
North American Porcupine
Scientific Name:
Erethizon dorsatum
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Diet: Diet includes a variety of vegetation, tree bark, insects, nuts and conifer needles.
Height: Their length is 60 to 90 cm not counting tail length of 14 to 30 cm.
Weight: 3.5 to 18 kilograms.
Lifespan: They can live up to 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in a zoo environment.
Fun Facts
- Porcupines are covered in about 30,000 quills that are designed to detach easily upon contact.
- They are the second largest rodent in North America and known for being excellent climbers and swimmers.
- Perhaps the most iconic feature of porcupines are their quills. These are modified hairs coated with layers of keratin, making them sharp and barbed. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines cannot shoot their quills, but the quills detach easily upon contact.
- They have strong teeth that continually grow throughout their lives to help them gnaw through tough plant material.
- Porcupines are well adapted to cold climates. They grow a thick layer of fat and their fur becomes denser in winter to help them withstand cold temperatures.
About Us
The North American porcupine habitat is located outside the Affinity Learning Centre.