Erethizontidae - New World porcupines
 There are 12 species in this family. They are found in North, Central and South America. They range in size from 17-32 inches in length. They have long spiny barbed hairs or quills. Porcupines do not shoot their quills, if an attacking animals gets to close to a porcupine, the quills can embed themselves into the attacking animal. They are nocturnal and live alone or in pairs. They are omnivores and eat fruit, seeds, nuts, bark, leaves, roots, stems, flowers, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Most species are herbivores and eat seeds, fruit, nuts, leaves, and other plant parts. They are found in a variety of habitats including coniferous and deciduous forests, mountains, grasslands, and deserts. Some species live in trees and others in burrows or dens on the ground.
 Endangered in N.H.
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 Threatened in N.H.
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 Introduced
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 Endangered in U.S.
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 Threatened in U.S.
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 Breeds in N.H.
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