Mammal

What can I say … I’m a rodent. I gnaw the bark off trees and I’m particularly fond of White Pine. With incisor teeth that never stop growing I must always have something to chew on; I am also the one who gnaws on antlers that have fallen on the ground – it’s how I get my calcium.

I lead a solitary life except in winter when I’m likely to share my den and food with other porcupines. I do not hibernate. I am active during the winter. I am a very good climber and I’ll often spend the night in a tree.

I am slow and near-sighted, but I’m armed with nearly 30,000 quills on my body. Let’s get something straight - no it’s not true – I cannot launch my quills! But they do fall off very easily. When I pound my tail to intimidate you, some quills may fall off.