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Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum
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| Range: |
Through North
America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to New Mexico and Tennessee.
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| Habitat: |
Forest with mixed
hardwood and softwood trees.
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| Diet: |
Winter; evergreen
needles, inner bark of trees. Summer; buds, twigs, roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
seeds, and berries. At the zoo: fruit, vegetables, monkey biscuits, and bark.
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Fun Facts:
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- The porcupine is a slow, sure climber with
excellent balance! It also swims well!
- It is active all year, but remains in its
den during severe weather!
- The porcupine may protect itself by climbing
or fleeing, but if cornered it erects the quills, turns the rump toward the source of
danger, and rapidly lashes out with the barbed tail. The quills are not thrown or
shot, but they are so lightly attaches that when they enter the skin of an enemy, they
become detached from the porcupine!
- A few hours after birth, the young can climb
trees and feed on solid food!
- The life span is about 10 years!
Back
to the Childrens Zoo
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