Porcupines have a long lifespan. They can live between 10 and 15 years out in the wild, while they can live up to 20 years when in captivity. Some have been known to live up to three decades. The funny or maybe not so funny thing is that these long-lived rodents can die from simple situations like falling out of a tree or getting hit by an automobile.
Their predators and sometimes a lack of food contribute to their mortality too.
About Porcupines
As a member of the New World porcupine genus, the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a big, quill-covered rodent. After the North American beaver, it is North America’s second-largest rodent (Castor canadensis). During the Great American Interchange 3 million years ago, after the Isthmus of Panama had expanded, the ancestors of today’s porcupine crossed the Atlantic from Africa to Brazil 30 million years ago.
What Defenses Does the Porcupine Use to Prevent Attacks?
To protect itself against predators, the North American porcupine employs a variety of tactics. Aposematism is the cornerstone of the defense strategy. This creature emits a pungent warning stench that can get stronger when provoked. An adult porcupine can use its teeth to produce a warning clacking sound and bristle its quills to show a white stripe down its back when threatened.
As a last resort, it can use its quills if the other senses fail. When assaulted, an adult porcupine turns its back to the predator. The porcupine can swing its tail at an attacker’s face if it feels threatened.
The porcupine does not hurl its quills, contrary to popular belief. Once in touch with an attacker’s flesh, a quill can readily penetrate and implant itself. The minuscule barbs on each quill let it penetrate an attacker’s skin.
This approach is effective against the majority of attackers. It is common for an attacking species to flee with a face full of quills because of the danger it poses. When all else fails, the porcupine’s only option is to climb the tree.
What do Porcupines Eat?
Vegetation, berries, stalks, roots, and branches … Read the rest of the story.
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