North American Porcupine

Description:

North American Porcupine (AKA: Canadian Porcupine) spotted in the early morning, resting high in a tree, in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, OK. North American Porcupine are usually dark brown or black in color, with white highlights. They have a stocky body, a small face, short legs, and a short, thick tail. They are the largest of the New World porcupines and is the second largest North American rodent, after the American Beaver.

Habitat:

North American Porcupines are commonly found in coniferous and mixed forested areas, but have adapted to harsh environments such as shrublands and tundra. They make their dens in hollow trees or in rocky areas.

Notes:

The porcupine is the only native North American mammal with antibiotics in its skin. Those antibiotics prevent infection when a porcupine falls out of a tree and is stuck with its own quills upon hitting the ground.