Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Family: Erethizontidae (New World) or Hystricidae (Old World)

Genus: Hystrix (Old World) / Erethizon (New World)

Species: Hystrix cristata (Indian Porcupine) / Erethizon dorsatum (North American Porcupine)

Life Span: 5–15 years (in the wild)

Weight: 5–30 kg (11–66 lbs)

Height: 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) at the shoulder

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Nocturnal – primarily active at night, foraging for food.

Feeding Habits: Herbivores – feed on leaves, roots, bark, and fruits. They may also gnaw on tree branches and wood.

Social Structure: Solitary animals, though occasionally found in small groups during the breeding season.

Hunting Approach: Not typically hunted for sport, but may be trapped or hunted for their quills, meat, or as a pest.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and scrublands with plenty of trees and bushes for shelter.

Water Sources: Found in areas with access to water, though they are not particularly reliant on it.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for them near wooded areas, cliffs, or rocky outcrops where they can easily climb and take shelter.

Tracks and Trails: Small, rounded footprints with five toes. Often found near gnawed bark, tree branches, or leaves.

Signs: Look for fresh bark stripping on trees, piles of quills, and trails leading to or from sheltering areas.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Nighttime, as they are nocturnal and primarily forage during the evening.

Breeding Season: Typically in the fall and early winter, with males becoming more active and aggressive.

Trophy Quality: Porcupines are not typically hunted for trophies but can be valuable for their quills, which are used in art and crafting.

Use of Scent Lures: Not commonly used, but traps or decoys may be employed to attract them, especially if targeting them for their quills.