Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)

Porcupines are flexible in where they make their dens. At Jewel Cave National monument, there are plenty of rocky outcroppings that make suitable sites for a den.

NPS Photo

 

At Jewel Cave National monument, keep your eyes up in the trees! Porcupines are seen high in the canopy of trees eating twigs.

NPS Photo

Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum

• The species name “dorsatum” is Latin for “back”. Its common name Porcupine is derived from French words meaning “thorny hog”.
• Other common names are quillpig, quillback and porky.
• The porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America, only behind the Beaver.

Size and Description

• The porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America, only behind the Beaver.
• Porcupines are a stout, short legged species that appears bowlegged and pigeon-toed while walking.
• Weight ranges from 10-30 lbs. and total length ranges from 26-31 inches including its 7-9-inch tail.
  
  
• Its short muscular tail serves as a kickstand of sorts, bracing it while climbing and perching in trees as well as when standing on its hind legs to forage.
• Porcupines have three types of hair: short underfur which is thick and fine which keeps the animal warm/dry; Long guard hairs which are most abundant on its tail and back; and guard hairs on its back and tail that are modified into sharp barbed quills, some of which may be 3 inches or more.
• Quills occur on the back, sides, tail and legs but are absent from the belly.
• Quills are loosely attached to the porcupine and are not projected or thrown like was once thought.

 

Porcupines are elusive and quiet animals that are rarely seen. At Jewel Cave National Monument they are sometimes seen high in trees along the 3.5 mile Canyons trail loop.

NPS/ Kent Miller

Behavior

• Porcupines can thrive in any forest habitat with abundant vegetation.
• Generally solitary animals aside from breeding and the rearing of young.
• Daytime den locations include rock outcroppings, hollow trees, downed logs, tree crotches and abandoned buildings.
• A typical home range covers 25-35 acres.

Diet

• Primarily vegetarians with slight seasonal variations.
• Porcupines eat evergreen needles and the inner bark of trees in winter.
• Summer diet includes buds, small twigs, grass, and the leaves of bushes and forbs.
• Porcupines are known to gnaw on bones and antlers in the spring for nutrients such as calcium and salt and are known to chew axe handles and plastic tubing presumably for salt.

Interactions with other animals

• Although they are armed with protective quills, porcupines are still on the menu for a handful of species. At Jewel Cave National Monument, porcupines are hunted by bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions.