Although they dig their own burrows, they sometimes take advantage of those of other animals.
Hystricidae
Rodentia
Mammalia
About 94 days.
1-4.
Roots, bulbs, tubers and bark of trees. Occasionally carrion or old skeletons, which they gnaw in search of mineral salts.
Up to 15 years in the wild and up to 23 in captivity.
Nocturnal animal, which leaves its burrow every night in search of food. Although it sleeps with the family during the day, it becomes a solitary animal when, following a known path, it goes in search of food.
Their bodies are covered in thorns (modified hair), which could be an impediment to sexual activity. When the female is receptive, she approaches the male with her tail and rump raised, and the quills facing her sides, so that the male can cover her without danger.
They stop in grass-lined caves within the communal tunnel complex. The babies are born covered in hair, with open eyes and soft quills. As they grow, the quills harden and form a formidable keratin armor. The tail ones are hollow and make a rattle sound when they move.
When threatened, porcupines raise all their quills and shake their tails while stamping their feet on the ground, emitting a threatening growl. If the aggressor persists, the porcupine begins to run sideways and backwards towards him. If the porcupine sticks a quill into an animal, it comes off its body.
Although they dig their own burrows, they sometimes take advantage of those of other animals.
