- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Erethizon dorsatum
- CLASSIFICATION
- Mammal
- LIFE SPAN
- 2-18 Years
- SIZE
- 24-35” | 10-28lbs
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Unprotected
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Non-Game
- GAME TYPE
- None
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
Although they are not very common, North American Porcupines can be found throughout Nevada. In this state, they prefer high-altitude forests, especially areas near water.
- Cold desert shrubland and sagebrush
- Pinyon juniper forests
- Upland Forests
Threats
- Habitat Destruction
- Predation
Porcupines are herbivores that eat leaves, buds, and green plants. In the winter, they switch to eating the inner layer of tree bark. Porcupines are excellent climbers and often go up into trees to find food. They are mostly active at night but may also forage during the day.
Porcupines mate in the fall. Males often fight over females using their teeth and quills, and they even spray urine on the female’s head as part of their courtship ritual. If she accepts him, mating occurs. After a long pregnancy of about 210 days, the female gives birth to a single baby.
When the baby is born, its quills are soft but harden within an hour, giving it the same protection as an adult. The young stay with their mother for about six months before becoming independent.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
