Porcupine
Porcupines are large, slow-moving rodents known for their sharp quills, which are modified hairs made of keratin.
Porcupines are large, slow-moving rodents known for their sharp quills. They are found across Canada and worldwide in two main families.
What it is
Porcupines are rodents with coats of quills made from modified hair. There are more than two dozen species divided into New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) and Old World porcupines (Hystricidae). They are generally herbivorous, solitary, and nocturnal.
Key details
Porcupines do not shoot their quills; quills detach when touched or when a predator makes contact. The North American porcupine is the second-largest rodent in North America after the beaver. They mainly eat vegetation such as leaves, bark, roots, and fruit.
Where they live
New World porcupines live in the Americas, including much of Canada and the United States. Old World porcupines are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Porcupines occupy a wide range of habitats, including forests and wooded areas.
In short
- Porcupines are rodents with quills made from modified hair.
- There are more than two dozen species worldwide.
- Quills detach on contact; they are not shot.
- North American porcupines are found throughout most of Canada.
North American porcupines are found throughout most of Canada, making the species familiar to Canadian wildlife readers and relevant to Canadian forestry and backcountry ecosystems.[2][9]
Quick questions
What is a porcupine?
Do porcupines shoot their quills?
Are porcupines found in Canada?
Sources
- U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/fast-facts-porcupines.htmSupports: North American porcupine description, size, range, and quill count.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/porcupineSupports: General description of porcupines, families, quills, and diet.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/porcupinesSupports: Number of species and quill-based defence.
- Mass Audubon — https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/mammals-in-massachusetts/porcupinesSupports: Family classification, quill description, and North American distribution.
- Pennsylvania Game Commission — https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/wildlife/discover-pa-wildlife/porcupineSupports: Scientific name, etymology, and North American range.
- U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/jeca/porcupine-erethizon-dorsatum.htmSupports: North American porcupine size and common-name notes.