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The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), also known as the Canadian porcupine, is a large quill-covered rodent in the New World porcupine family. It is the second largest rodent in North America after the North American beaver ( Castor canadensis ).
North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) — uncommon in forested areas in the northern part of the state; usually found in mixed forests including eastern hemlock. [3] Porcupines are most common in northern Litchfield County, especially the towns of Hartland, Colebrook, and Norfolk.
The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the only extant species, but at least 4 extinct relatives are known, the oldest dating to the Late Pliocene. [2] Porcupines entered North America during the Great American Interchange after the Isthmus of Panama rose 3 million years ago. [3]
The reasons not to pick up a porcupine clearly outweigh the reasons to do so. Turns out, opinions on the best approach vary among the experts.
The North American porcupine is a herbivore and often climbs trees for food; it eats leaves, herbs, twigs, and green plants such as clover. In the winter, it may eat bark. [2] The African porcupine is not a climber; instead, it forages on the ground. [2]
Erethizontinae is a subfamily of the New World porcupine family Erethizontidae, [1] and includes all species of the family with the exception of the bristle-spined rat, Chaetomys subspinosus, which is classified in its own subfamily, Chaetomyinae.
Porcupine species including the largest, African porcupine and North American porcupine, are nocturnal bone collectors of thousands of bones, stored inside their den and in open piles in their vicinity. The bones do not satisfy seasonal nutritional deficiency, they prevent overgrown teeth but the shavings are ingested as the bulk of their diet.
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoo in Syracuse, New York. It is owned and operated by Onondaga County Parks with support from the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals representing 216 species on 43 acres (17 ha).