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Small mammals
New World porcupine
New World porcupine · Erethizontidae
The New World porcupine surprises with its armour of quills and nocturnal climbing forays in the forests of North America.
Fact file
- Size
- Body length 60 to 90 cm, weight 4 to 18 kilograms
- Males and females
- Both sexes have quills, males usually slightly larger
- Sounds
- Squeaking, grunting sounds and teeth chattering when uneasy
- Diet
- Eats tree bark, leaves, twigs, buds and roots
- Offspring
- Gestation around 7 months, usually a single young between spring and early summer
How to identify New World porcupine
The New World porcupine has shaggy brown-grey fur with striking yellowish to white quills that protrude from the coat like long needles. The dense pads of quills on its back, tail and flanks are particularly noticeable and sometimes shimmer in the light.
With a body length of around 60 to 90 centimetres and a broad, bushy tail, the New World porcupine appears rounded and lumbering. Compared with other rodents, its compact silhouette with short legs and a small head radiates calm and self-sufficiency.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
Where New World porcupine live
Discover New World porcupine on your trip.
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