Overview
North American Porcupine appears on the Exotic Wildlife Association species list as Porcupine — ESA: Not Listed; CITES: N/A. [1]
Native range
North American porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, have the northern most range of all porcupines. [2]
Size
5–14 kg (ADW range). [2]
Lifespan
18 years (wild, range); 6 years (wild, average); 17 years (wild, average). [2]
Breeding & gestation
Gestation 205–217 days; average 210.25 days; offspring per birth: 1–2; females mature at 25 months. [2]
Temperament & social structure
Not verified from a primary source for this page.
Habitat needs
Erethizon dorsatum uses a broad variety of habitats. With an extensive range, porcupines can be found in varied climates, and at varied elevations. ADW biomes: desert or dune, savanna or grassland, chaparral, forest, scrub forest, mountains, tundra, taiga. [2]
Where they thrive (Texas / US)
North American porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, have the northern most range of all porcupines. [2]
Space per animal
No verified species-specific space figure was found; follow zoo/keeper enclosure guidance and consult an exotic-animal veterinarian.
Housing & shelter
Not verified from a primary source for this page.
Fencing
No primary-source containment standard was verified for this species; get enclosure design advice from an experienced keeper or zoo veterinarian.
Natural diet
Porcupines are generalist herbivores. Diets vary throughout the year in response to minute changes in plant chemistry. ADW diet type: herbivore, granivore, lignivore. [2]
Feed & supplementation
No verified diet formulation was found for this page; follow a veterinarian or zoo nutritionist.
Common health issues & parasites
No verified species-specific health list for this page; consult an exotic-animal veterinarian.
Vet care & vaccination
No vaccines are labeled for this species in the US; set any protocol with an exotic-animal veterinarian. (No specific protocol was verified for this page.)
Handling & capture
Capture/restraint protocol not verified for this species; have an experienced exotic-animal veterinarian plan any capture or transport.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. [3]
Legal notes (general info, not legal advice)
General information, not legal advice. USDA APHIS licensing under the Animal Welfare Act applies to dealers and exhibitors; check USDA and your state wildlife and animal-health agencies before buying, moving or selling. [4]
Sources
- Exotic Wildlife Association – Endangered Species List (ESA status & CITES appendix)
- Animal Diversity Web (Univ. of Michigan) – Erethizon dorsatum
- IUCN Red List – Erethizon dorsatum (assessment page)
- USDA APHIS – Animal Welfare Act licensing & registration
Figures are taken from the numbered sources; items marked "not verified" could not be confirmed from a primary source and are intentionally left blank. Husbandry guidance is general—confirm with an exotic-animal veterinarian.