PORCUPINE 



surly, and not very social toward his own kind. He has an 

 inordinate desire for salt and frequently comes to grief because 

 of this fact. When one of these animals invades a camp he will 

 gnaw at anything that will yield the slightest trace of salt. 

 The perspiration which has dried on a shovel or pick handle 

 makes this wood a delicacy for the Porcupine and he will chew 

 it up; soapy water thrown out on the ground or against a 

 stump makes that spot have an irresistible attraction. Aside 

 from the damage done by the capable teeth of this rodent, 

 there is the possible danger of stumbling over the prowler after 

 dusk and the Porcupine is not a popular visitor. 



In some parts of the country the Porcupine has earned 

 protection because of the fact that this animal may prove the 

 salvation of any one lost in the woods. It is the one mammal 

 which an unarmed man may easily kill and its flesh, while not 

 a delicacy, is a substantial article of diet under such circum- 

 stances. Porcupines may kill trees by removing too much 

 bark or by girdling, but in most places their depredations do 

 not assume very great economic importance. They are fairly 

 good swimmers and take to the water without hesitation if 

 they wish to cross a stream or narrow body of water. 



The Porcupine has one to four young (usually one or two) 

 at a birth and but one litter a year. 



They do not hibernate but are active in all weathers. 

 Although clumsy in build they are excellent climbers 

 and spend a good part of their existence in trees. They can 

 climb out on comparatively small branches and up into light 

 brush as well as up good-sized trees. If allowed to do so, a 

 Porcupine disturbed on the ground will try to climb the first 

 tree at hand. 



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