North American porcupines are found throughout nearly all of Canada, the northern and western U.S. and parts of northern Mexico. They are covered in about 30,000 protective quills that help shield them from predator attacks.
The life of a North American porcupine
North American porcupines can grow two to three feet long, can weigh anywhere from 11 to 30 pounds and live as long as 18 years.
North American porcupines mate once a year from October to November. Males perform a courtship dance and make loud noises to attract females. After mating, females give birth to one or two offspring after 205 to 217 days.
North American porcupines build dens in logs, hollow trees and rocky areas. Though they spend most of their time on the ground, they are excellent climbers and sometimes build nests in trees. They are also skilled swimmers, since their quills are hollow and help them float.
North American porcupines are primarily herbivores, feeding on twigs, grass and leaves in the spring and summer, and evergreen needles and tree bark in the winter. They are most likely to flee predators, but if cornered, they raise their sharp quills and shake their barbed tails to fend off attackers. Predators include cougars, bobcats, coyotes, wolverines, great horned owls and fishers.
North American porcupines at the zoo
The North American porcupine is an ambassador animal at the zoo. She helps educate guests about her species during special presentations.
