Linnean Classification

Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Rodentia, Erethizontidae, Erethizon, Erethizon dorsatum

Regulator

They can maintain their own body temperatures (homeostasis)

Dormancy

They do not migrate. They also, however, do not take in a lot of food before winter and do not sleep throughout winter. Instead, they stay active and stay close to their dens.

Generalist

They eat a wide variety of foods and can survive in a variety of environments

Consumer

They are unable to produce their own food and rely on producers and other consumers for their food nutrients

Omnivore

Its diet consists of both plants and animals

Niche

The North American Porcupine is generally found in deciduous regions, and will live in homes that have already been abandoned. Porcupines are nocturnal, and are active throughout the year. Porcupines are known to have quills that can damage organs and tissues. Although the porcupine quills are antiseptic, they have been found in many predators of the Porcupine including bobcats, foxes, and wolves. The porcupine will eat many plants including shrubs and fruits, but will also eat animals such as rodents. Porcupines will increase the variety they eat during the winter. Even by doing so, the porcupines lose 17-31% of their body weight, but regain their weight during the summer.