Porcupine - Erethizon dorsatum
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NPS Photo by Mike Laycock
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Class
|
Mammalia |
| Order |
Rodentia |
| Family |
Erethizontidae |
| Genus |
Erethizon |
| Species |
dorsatum |
Name/
History |
The second largest native North American rodent (the beaver is the largest. |
Size
Weight (lbs) |
Male
10-15
|
Female
10-15
|
Young
Achieves
adult size
by fall
|
| Height (ft) |
2
|
2
|
|
| Tail (in) |
7-9 |
| Rut |
September-October |
| Gestation |
7 months |
| Birth |
April-May |
| # young |
1 |
| Age |
5-7 years, up to 10 years |
Habitat/
Range |
Usually forested areas, dens in hollow trees, found throughout Canada, western United States to Mexico.
|
| Food |
Buds, twigs, bark. |
| Predators |
Humans(road kill), some coyotes, bobcats, owls. |
| Disease |
Rabies |
| Communication |
Grunts, groans, high-pitched cries.
|
Behavior/
Characteristics |
Active at night, more at home in trees, does not hibernate, usually solitary, poor vision.
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