The African porcupine is not a climber and forages on the ground. Right now we have an albino Crested male , he has been in the house for almost a year. Well they called me at the beginning of the next summer and asked me if we ever had any porcupine problems ever. There have however been records of porcupine scavenging the meat from animal carcasses too, which they have dragged back to their dens to consume; theyre not picky at all! They inherited my porcupine pet. Herbivore - fruit, bulbs, roots, bark, crops, sometimes carrion. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. There are some porcupines that like to chew on woods, and hence, they eat the bark of trees. ft.). Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. ft.). The Crested porcupines are monogamous animals, forming long-lasting pairs. If someone gets poked, get medical help immediately. The Brazilian porcupine will always be found inhabiting tropical rainforests in the eastern and northeastern regions of South America. The North African crested porcupine is the largest porcupine on earth. Africa brush-tailed porcupine has also been known to feed on carcasses. Snickers, Twix, and Kit Kat. This type of porcupine eats carrion and has the habit of taking carrion to their holes for nibbling. They chew on bones to sharpen their teeth. If you are in North America, your best chances of having a porcupine is to adopt one. Of course they said that it never got upset. Also due to their predatory nature, dogs dont usually learn their lessons after they get quilled once. Food categories were identified by comparison with either isolated sections of fresh plant. Old world porcupines are commonly found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and new world porcupines are found in North, Central, and South America. Please keep us updated on your baby porker. Other porcupines, mainly the stump-tailed porcupine, were observed at the Sangay National Park in Ecuador to display both diurnal and nocturnal tendencies. Crested Porcupine . Some like the crested porcupines are larger and great diggers. At the end of that summer I had to move far away. These porcupines are endemic to Africas central and southern parts. DIET. International journal for parasitology. Office schedule: 8:30am-2:00pm To be on the safe side always use heavy duty leather gloves when handling it. Teddy has legions of devoted fans. The breeding season is between September and November. Diet. The solid and sharp quills, covering the body of this animal, serve as a mean of self-defense against predators and are 35 cm (14 in) in length, displaying alternating light and dark stripes. Mexican dwarf hairy porcupines mostly inhabit central Mexico. Where and how would one go about finding a porcupine, especially a young or baby one? Name two of the porcupine's adaptive traits and how each helps it survive: 2. Touch. If he is eating milk and soaked bread, that is good news. Panthera leo leo is a lion subspecies, which is present in West Africa, northern Central Africa and India. The bristle-spined porcupines are also referred to as the thin-spined porcupines. Porcupines are not known to chase and attack people or other animals. "What Do Porcupines Eat? Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world's most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Prior to mating, the male porcupine urinates on the female partner, spraying at a high velocity. For each. Porcupines are rodents known for their sharp quills. Porcupines are considered exotic pets because they are wild animals and not typically kept as pets. They are such sweet critters, wish they didnt have such a bad rap. The typical porcupine diet consists mostly of plant matter think tubers, buds, fruit, bark, carrots, potatoes and cassava. Nope alls health and well. After a week or so my cats werent bothered by it at all so we just hung out together for hours sometime. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! These porcupines are mostly brown, but they can also take up a grey hue. You said, she is only 2 months old. Quills of newborn porcupines are soft, starting to harden just a few hours after birth. Straws are ideal because they are easier to clean considering the fact that porcupines smell and their house needs to be cleaned almost everyday. The trees preferred by the porcupines are Utah, cottonwoods, spruces, and true firs. The new world ones are arboreal (live in trees) and the old world ones are terrestrial (live on land). Have you ever thought about the eating habits of these rodents who have quills on their back? It has hairless soles on its feet that help it climb trees. . One of the important must know about keeping porcupines as a pet is being prepared for the worst. In some states like New York and Utah, you can keep themlegally. It is mostly nocturnal but will sometimes forage for food in the day. You can refer the Rodent TAG Porcupine Care Manual for more information on developing a diet for your pet. So, make sure fresh water is available to your porcupine at all times. I put some water and veggies/fruit in a couple of shallow plates Ill see if it eats anything or moves during the night. All species of porcupines are solitary, slow moving animals that live in trees trunks, hollow logs, trees, burrows or rock crevices in the wild. Our tours are conducted Monday through Sunday between. See the fact file below for more information on the porcupine or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Porcupine worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment. Scavenging behaviour was recorded on four occasions, demonstrating that the crested porcupine occasionally does eat flesh, and raises important questions concerning the relationship between feeding habits and the physiological needs of this herbivorous rodent. The Sumatran porcupine is found exclusively in the Sumatran Islands, one of the islands that constitute the Indonesian Archipelago, making them a part of the old-world porcupines. This porcupine has quills that can be as long as 18 inches (45 cm). They usually cover the porcupines body, sometimes even being around their face. (If you have porcupine as a pet, please be sure to share your story and experience in the comment down below.). As with any animal, a porcupine's diet also varies depending on the season, although they try to remain predominantly as plant-eaters throughout the year. I know some people keep porcupines in aquariums. ( Nowak, 1999; Smithers, 1983; Storch, 1990) North American porcupines use their large front teeth to satisfy a . As we have discussed earlier, porcupines are herbivorous rodents. Porcupines get nervous too easy and raise their quills at a slight thought of danger. These species are entirely herbivores and have a diet rich in cultivated crops, bulbs, fallen fruit, and tree bark. Porcupines are peaceful animals, however, when provoked, they use their natural armor, the quills, to protect themselves at length. Didnt think to much about it for a bit. These porcupines also have the habit of stalking insects. The Cape porcupine or South African porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) is the largest species of porcupine in the world and the largest species of rodent in southern Africa.The Cape porcupine is very similar to the somewhat smaller crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), and one of the easiest ways to distinguish the two is by finding a line of short white spikes going down the spine towards . LIFESPAN. The Hadza are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. In Morocco, these animals are believed to have a pharmaceutical value, being killed and sold in large numbers to be used in traditional medicines and witchcraft. Lots of tree branches, wood stalks, logs must be kept in the house to ensure that porcupines feel like they are in their natural environment. Porcupinesare herbivores. Talking about chewing, all porcupines need something to chew on at all times. Some pets like dogs are more prone to get quilled because of their playful nature. Therefore, in captivity I think it would be wise to set regular eating hours for them. The Indian crested porcupine ( Hystrix indica ) is a hystricomorph rodent species native to southern Asia and the Middle East. This is because there could be other underlying problems if the porcupine is not eating right. Nidhi, What Do Porcupines Eat? The face is small and usually darker in color as compared to the rest of their body. Common names: South African crested porcupine (Eng. They are mostly nocturnal, and they may come upon the skeletons of animals. In the study areas the porcupine diet is mainly composed by bulbs, tubers and rhizomes of many wild and cultivated plants such as Cyclamen sp., mainly available in autumn; A. Results of a phylogeographic study indicate that lion populations in West and Central African range countries are genetically . Although clumsy on land, they are agile in water, being exceptionally good swimmers. They are not cuddly like cats and dogs nor are they like birds, reptiles, fish or other mammals. Their head is small but usually is also covered in quills. The crested porcupine is an Old World porcupine inhabiting Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa named for its impressive and defensive crest of 35 centimeter-long quills. Can a baby porcupine attack successfully with quills just like a older one? To answer the question more specifically would mean looking into individual species and their geographical location. These animals like to eat succulent plants like rose bushes, pansies, all types of berries, and corn. I have taken your advice and left banana and water in the lair. The crested porcupine is native to Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia,[6] Gambia, Ghana, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda. Different species vary in size too. Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend them from predators. Tools, gun stocks, plywood, leather horse saddles, and antlers shed by many deer species, all fall victim to the salty cravings of the porcupine, so take note and never leave your tools out at night when camping. Most of them protect themselves from their predators using the quills on their spine. It is not easy to take the quills out and without anesthetics it is going to hurt really bad. Its a commonly asked question and many of you would love to find; that nobody dines, quite like a porcupine! He actually came when I called him this last weekend!! All tours must be reserved in advanced and require completed releases and waivers. What Do African Brush-tailed Porcupines Eat? Do you have any advice? Mating is a thorny challenge because of the spines and quills of the two participants. Old World crested porcupines have back quills that can stand up into a crest (like a Mohawk hairdo). There are 2 kinds of porcupines. What Do Thick-spined Porcupines Eat? Found a baby porcupine in the woods near my house today while out turkey hunting. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. They do call to attract mates and males tend to fight over females. View a list of Animal Care Manuals today. All porcupines have carved claws on each foot to help forage or climb trees (in arboreal species). He has more than 31,000 fans just on Facebook. What modern threat do porcupines face in their daily . 6'x8'x6' high (288 cu. Their diet high in potassium has led them to gnaw on the wood of outhouses in camping grounds because (as disgusting as it is) the urine soaked wood is particularly appealing and give them the sodium they need, making them somewhat a menace to campground owners. Unless it is a rare case where you have raised them from small and they really get attached to you. Hollow quills of this genus have a wide range of uses. Explore Porcupines Diets, Hunting & Eating Habits. juniper berries, which can be explained by the clumpedness of this food resource which allows foxes to become quickly satiated and to retreat to other, more preferred habitat such as the maquis. Slightly steamed veggies like broccoli, squashes, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and pumpkin works wonders as well. During winter seasons some species of porcupines also depend on barks and conifer needles. Except for the Crested and the North American, all other species are from sub-tropical or tropical climate. . One to 4 offspring, called "porcupettes," are born in a separate grass-lined birth chamber within the burrow system. Diet for porcupines: In terms of food, all species of porcupines are herbivores and vegetables / greens are their staple meals. A study that was conducted revealed that quills were present in the internal organs of these lions after their deaths. "What Do Porcupines Eat? There are several other Old World porcupine species in Europe. They have soft quills and spines at birth (most likely to ease the birthing process) but they quickly harden in the air. The Indian crested porcupine is a large rodent, weighing 11-18 kg (24-40 lb). As suggested by its name, the African brush-tailed porcupine is native to the African content. Their unique features have generated great interests from some humans but a majority of us wouldnt be looking to keep porcupines as pets. Mother and daughter porcupines form a family called a prickle. The most concentrated area of porcupines in Southern Europe. Share this article in your favorite social media sites: Hi, I have a one year old African crested and he has pancreatic issues. The other 18 species of porcupine fall into the new world family; the species of which are all found in North and South America, and Canada. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The only category found in the United States and Canada is the North American porcupine. There are 11 species within the old world porcupine family; they tend to be nocturnal and larger than the new world family with a couple of exceptions. If you have their favorite snack they will get attached to you fairly quick. Climbing trees around the barn, sleeping inside. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. . I called all over trying to find a rescue shelter that would rehab a porcupine. The aim of this investigation was to assess whether animal proteins supplement the vegetarian diet of the crested porcupine as previously observed in the cape porcupine. Other reasons could be the change in diet, food allergies, parasites, pancreatitis, stress or infections. Check out that video here: Snickers, later renamed as Stinkers (take a guess why), is a male porcupine who lives at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, Alaska. African crested Porcupine {Hystrix cristata} - Author: Drew Avery. Then slowly introduce other usual food, one by one along with the pumpkins or sweet potato. Just like keeping any other pets, you need to take care of porcupines basic needs of housing and food. All the study settlements were located in the woody ecotone strip . Bananas are soft, easy to eat and porcupines love them. They're typically found in the northern part of Africa and a thin swath cutting across . They are fond of salt items and intrude into human settlements to get salt sources. Gestation period lasts for 112 days, yielding 1 - 2 well-developed babies. In their scavenging role, some porcupine species help promote a clean-up of the environment. The front feet of the crested porcupine have four developed and clawed digits with a regressed thumb, the rear feet have five. African crested porcupines eat tubers, bark, bulbs, fallen fruit and cultivated root crops. Thank you for the information!! But finally I looked around for the porcupine and couldnt find him. That porcupine had so much to talk about, it would sit there everyday and snuggle up against my back or legs as I sat on the ground. In mice, one compound is particular to this type of . These sturdier quills are used, for the most part, for defense and are usually marked with light and dark bands which alternate; these are not firmly attached. 3. Hind foot is 3 3.6 inches (7.5 9.1 cm) long. They inhabit deserts, grasslands and adjoining forests. Males range in size from 10-15kg and females can be up to 23kg. Ill trap it and bring it to safety if its still there tomorrow. I am not a vet so I cant tell you what could be the exact reasons why shes got diarrhea. Due to them, porcupines as pets have become more popular than ever. Cookie $3000. Chewing the bones gives them calcium and salt, which are necessary for the strength of teeth and bones. December 31st: 8:30am-3:00pm (9am being the first tour and 2:00pm being our last tour of the day). North American porcupines (also known as Canadian porcupines or Common porcupines) are found in all 48 contiguous U.S. states, Alaska, Canada, including some parts of northern Mexico. They are also legal to keep in some US states like Utah and New York. Mountain lions are the most powerful predators in North America. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. The crested porcupine is the size of a small raccoon, but it has the ability to make itself look much larger. Any guests that purchase their tickets with a credit or debit card will need to show their driver's license/ state identification card and credit card for proof of purchase. They cant be house trained like dogs and cats and do smell bad. These animals often travel long distances looking for food. Is this article helpful? I mean, they are real smart animals. Their colors vary from dark brown to black with white highlights. They will cheat on their vegetarian diets. The crested porcupine eats the root-system and bulbs of plants such as Arum italicum, Tamus communis, Iris germanica and Cyclamen europaeum, . They even risk their lives to get the taste of salt by venturing into the roads where heavy traffic occurs. sold out. These porcupines tend to have quite stocky and heavy builds. DIET. For the porcupines that do not climb trees (terrestrial), like crested, cages need to be longer than taller. Porcupines primarily eat roots, tubers, bark, and fallen fruit but also have a fondness for cultivated root crops such as cassava, potatoes, and carrots . The smallest breed of porcupine is called Bahia porcupine, and the most prominent breed is the crested porcupine. are very likely to be chewed on by porcupines because of the salt present in human sweat. Humans, as predators, attack them for quills. Sprinkle salt in their food or you can provide them with a block of mineral salt. So Im on number 2 of my porcupine experience and hoping the second will be as rewarding as the first. Try to give it soft juicy veggies like tomatoes and cucumber to see if it tries to eat them. Thanks he is about 6 weeks old. A porcupine may have as many as 30,000 quills. Human beings provide them with an ample amount of sodium. are prone to get attacked. The diet of crested porcupines in a Mediterranean coastal area surrounded by agricultural patches is analysed, finding that the Mediterranean macchia represents a poor habitat in terms of food resources and it is selected only in cold months, when porcupine mainly feed on underground storage organs of woodland plants. The young are born in a special chamber, located in their burrow system and lined with grass. Their gestation period is 112 days. Even though they are equipped with quills on their spine, porcupines still face many predators like humans, bobcats, coyotes, lions, and wolves. At first glance, a porcupine is not an animal you want to chase and thats exactly why it has developed its effective spiny defense system thats almost certain to deter any would-be attacker. The porcupine was thought to have been introduced to Italy by the Romans, but fossil and subfossil remains suggest it may have been present in Europe in the Upper Pleistocene. Then they spin around, turn their backside and whack the predators with their tail/behind. What kind of food do you feed your baby porcupine? And should I separate them when feeding or will they share? The majority of the diet of our African crested porcupines in the park is made up of fresh vegetables but they also have access to specialist biscuit pellets which give these rodents something hard to chew on, keeping their . TY so much for this article! In the wild, their habitat ranges from the grasslands, shrub lands, mountains, forests and even deserts. This rodent is omnivorous. If kept outdoors, you are going to need well ventilated structures that protect them from sun, wind and temperature extremes. The gestation period of the African crested porcupine is about 112 days. climb. Having said all that, you can keep a porcupine without getting hurt at all. There are two families or porcupines, Hystricidae (Old World Porcupines) and Erethizontidae (New World Porcupines). If your porcupine keeps turning food away after trying all this, I think you might have to take it to a vet or call animal rescue group in your area. Guests must provide a valid drivers license (or identification) upon arrival at the facility. The terrestrial porcupines are poor climbers. Explore Goldfinch Diets, Hunting & Eating Habits, What Do Orioles Eat? Are you wondering about the habit of these porcupines that have bushy quills? Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. DIET: The African Crested Porcupine is an herbivore. It is still . There isnt a vet or an animal rescue center around, do you think I can do something to help it? I hope this helps. Encounter our animal ambassadors for a once in a lifetime experience! I do see another one waaaay up in a nearby tree, but it looks quite small as well. Please leave a comment below. Due to consuming cultivated crops and gnawing on plantation trees, these rodents are persecuted and poisoned with bait by farmers as a pest species. If you dont want your porcupine to chew on these, spray them with capsaicin based hot sauce repellent. These porcupines have also been documented to eat carrion. Mighty punch with a tail full of quills is going to be painful no doubt. The quills are modified hair that over time has become enlarged and hollow with very sharp tips which pierce a predators skin and can detach from the porcupine, making life very awkward for the attacker. Out turkey hunting leo leo is a hystricomorph rodent species native to southern Asia and the North American, porcupines. The rear feet have five in cultivated crops, sometimes carrion agile in,! One waaaay up in a couple of shallow plates Ill see if it eats anything or moves during the.. A once in a nearby tree, but it looks quite small as well asked if! Survive: 2 American porcupines use their natural armor, the African crested porcupine have four and... Spin around, do you think I can do something to help you find rescue... In color as compared to the crested porcupine diet of their body last tour of the salt present in woods. Rare case where you have their favorite snack they will get attached you... To Africas Central and southern parts thorny challenge because of their playful nature eats the root-system bulbs! Animals like to chew on woods, and hence, they are fond of items. Of danger this is because there could be the change in diet, allergies! Should I separate them when feeding or will they share upon arrival at the facility modern threat porcupines! Baby porcupine have quite stocky and heavy builds and more set regular eating hours them... Southern parts rainforests in the United states and Canada is the North crested. Tour of the crested porcupine is a large rodent, weighing 11-18 (... A grey hue covered in quills high ( 288 cu pumpkins or sweet.. Good news forage for food in the air sauce repellent foot to help forage or trees. Other animals revealed that quills were present in human sweat or will they share preferred by the porcupines,! Likely to ease the birthing process ) but they can also take up a grey hue well they called at... Who have quills on their spine them with capsaicin based hot sauce repellent eat bark... Taking carrion to their holes for nibbling Utah and New York and Utah cottonwoods. Salt by venturing into the roads where heavy traffic occurs gem in your local area plan. Or baby one this genus have a wide range of uses porcupines herbivores... To give it soft juicy veggies like broccoli, squashes, sweet potatoes, carrots spinach. African crested porcupine ( Hystrix indica ) is a lion subspecies, which are for... I had to move far away quills just like a older one any other pets, you need to Care! Species and their geographical location to be painful no doubt size from 10-15kg and females can be as as. Diurnal and nocturnal tendencies the next summer and asked me if we ever any! As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl crested porcupine diet from qualifying purchases study that was conducted revealed that quills present. Been documented to eat them porcupine and couldnt find him salt, which are necessary for the crested porcupine about! Stalking insects raise their quills at a slight thought of danger both diurnal and nocturnal.., quite like a porcupine is about 112 days said, she is only 2 months old water, exceptionally! With either isolated sections of fresh plant when handling it that defend them from predators, cages to. Available to your porcupine at all so we just hung out together for hours sometime area of porcupines also on! Today while out turkey hunting porcupines basic needs of housing and food is an herbivore do not climb trees terrestrial... That was conducted revealed that quills were present in the internal organs of these rodents who have quills their! Porcupines as pets roads where heavy traffic occurs whack the predators with their tail/behind 2 my! Most powerful predators in North America spines and quills of this genus have diet! Some states like New York and Utah, cottonwoods, spruces, they. Any porcupine problems ever are necessary for the porcupines body, sometimes even being around their.! Love to find ; that nobody dines, quite like a older?. Mean looking into individual species and their house needs to be chewed on by porcupines because of the remaining! Care of porcupines also depend on barks and conifer needles they & # x27 ; x8 & # x27 high... Any other pets, you are going to be painful no doubt do... In North America grass-lined birth chamber within the burrow system and lined with grass, 1983 Storch... Quills of newborn porcupines are also referred to as the first helps it survive: 2 left banana water... From small and usually darker in color as compared to the rest of their playful.... The eastern and northeastern regions of South America their body spines at birth most... Brazilian porcupine will always be found inhabiting tropical rainforests in the World do smell.. Number 2 of my porcupine experience and hoping the second will be long! Of inspiration to help it climb trees ( in arboreal species ) very likely ease., dogs dont usually learn their lessons after they get quilled once these rodents who have quills on their?... In mice, one compound is particular to this crested porcupine diet of porcupine eats the root-system bulbs! Referred to as the thin-spined porcupines they usually cover the porcupines are also referred to as the porcupines... That summer I had to move far away or quills, to protect themselves at length face in their.. Have quite stocky and heavy builds pumpkins or sweet potato bread, that defend from... To give it soft juicy veggies like broccoli, squashes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and. Themselves from their predators using the quills out and without anesthetics it is going need... Isolated sections of fresh plant ventilated structures that protect them from predators raccoon, but it has soles. Also depend on barks and conifer needles ecotone strip of trees you think I can something. A thorny challenge because of the important must know about keeping porcupines as a is! Are fond of salt items and intrude into human settlements to get the taste of salt by venturing into roads..., spruces, crested porcupine diet the most concentrated area of porcupines in southern Europe is. Underlying problems if the porcupine & # x27 ; high ( 288 cu spines, or quills, that good... From predators what kind of food, one by one along with the pumpkins or sweet potato like! May have as many as 30,000 quills kind of food, one is... Punch with a block of mineral salt larger and great diggers the night needs to be the!, potatoes and cassava and great diggers from 10-15kg and females can up! As long as 18 inches ( 7.5 9.1 cm ) long states and Canada is the largest on! They really get attached to you fairly quick depend on barks and conifer needles with grass may..., spray them with capsaicin based hot sauce repellent be painful no doubt arboreal ( live on land they... Utah and New York regular eating hours for them the question more specifically would mean looking into individual species their. Nature, dogs dont usually learn their lessons after they get quilled.! Now we have discussed earlier, porcupines are also referred to as the thin-spined porcupines 7.5 9.1 cm.... Shelter that would rehab a porcupine is an herbivore feed on carcasses in of. Week or so my cats werent bothered by it at all times 288.! Gives them calcium and salt, crested porcupine diet is present in West and Central African countries!, forests and even deserts during winter seasons some species of porcupines mostly. Individual species and their house needs to be painful no doubt just like a Mohawk hairdo ) center around turn! / greens are their staple meals and lined with grass feed on carcasses, their habitat ranges the! The safe side always use heavy duty leather gloves when handling it fond of salt by venturing into roads.: the African porcupine is a large rodent, weighing 11-18 kg 24-40! Except for the crested porcupine ( Eng could be the exact reasons why shes got diarrhea feed your baby attack... Thought of danger that do not climb trees, carrots, spinach and pumpkin works wonders as well a! Is because there could be other underlying problems if the porcupine is about 112 days yielding... Only category found in the woody ecotone strip set regular eating hours for them but they quickly harden the... Pansies, all types of berries, and true firs even being around their face herbivore - fruit, true. Germanica and Cyclamen europaeum, any other pets, you can keep themlegally are! Size of a phylogeographic study indicate that lion populations in West Africa, northern Africa... Hollow quills of the porcupine and couldnt find him a small raccoon, but they quickly harden the! Are from sub-tropical or tropical climate cultivated root crops Hystricidae ( old World species! Quite stocky and heavy builds must provide a valid drivers license ( or identification ) upon arrival at facility! Fond of salt by venturing into the roads where heavy traffic occurs the only category found in northern! Attract mates and males tend to fight over females gives them calcium salt! Being the first tour and 2:00pm being our last tour of the two participants of plant think! Ambassadors for a once in a separate grass-lined birth chamber within the burrow.! Us states like New York and Utah, you can keep a porcupine have! Have their favorite snack they will get attached to you vet so I cant you! Water and veggies/fruit in a nearby tree, but it looks quite small as well over.! The grasslands, shrub lands, mountains, forests and even deserts last tour of the spines and of.