ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Porcupine

 Porcupine

porcupine
The porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America, after the beaver.
porcupine tracks
Porcupine Tracks
(Click track to enlarge)

Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum

At-a-Glance


• Typical Foods: herbivorous; feeds on bugs, small twigs and the inner bark of trees

• Ohio Status: Extirpated 
Description
This mammal is easy to identify by its spiny coat and heavy, stout body that makes it appear clumsy and slow. They are brown to black in color with bands of yellow on their spines.

Habitat and Habits
The porcupine can live in a variety of habitats, but is usually found in forested and brushy areas. It can often be seen in trees, where it is more at home than on the ground. Porcupines make their dens in hollow trees or in caves of rock.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
After a gestation period of seven months, a female gives birth to one offspring in April or May. The young are born with soft quills that harden within minutes after birth.