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Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum
Habitat
Found statewide in hardwood/hemlock forests. Mostly nocturnal, resting by day up on tree branches. In the winter, they will find a den in rocks or a hollow tree, and rarely venture far.
Diet
Herbivores with strong chewing teeth, porcupine eat the buds and leaves of trees, but are particularly fond of the soft inner bark of trees, especially fruit trees.
Distinctive Characteristics
A chunky body about three feet long, with a waddling gait and grayish-colored fur covered in spikey quills. It cannot throw its 20,000+ quills, but swats attackers with its strong tail and embeds the quills.
Reproduction & Family Structure
One young is born in late spring with soft quills that harden.