Lazy Porcupine

Download or read book Lazy Porcupine written by Liberty Dendron and published by Mamba Books & Publishing. This book was released on 2014-12-17 with total page 27 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lazy Porcupine wastes away his summer enjoying the lazy warm air, while his friends prepare for winter, never realizing what the fuss is about, until it is too late. Fortunately, this time, he has good friends to save the day. The porcupine learns a lesson never to be forgotten. Always plan ahead and never put off what can be done today. A story with bright illustrations, and values. Easy reading. What they look like: The porcupine is a medium-sized rodent, which is related to mice, rats and beavers. An adult porcupine is about 50 cm long (20 inches), not counting the tail. They can weigh from 4.5 to 13 kg (10 to 28 pounds). Long black and brown guard hairs and quills cover its body. The sharp stiff quills are actually modified hairs. Where they live: Porcupines live throughout most of the western United States and parts of the Northeast. They are also found throughout forests in Canada. Found from sea level to tree line, in the forested areas of every county except San Juan and Island. In the unfrosted areas, they are found along riparian corridors with trees or large shrub growth, including lush sagebrush. It needs trees or shrubs large enough to provide bark and cambium for winter feeding. What they eat: Porcupines like munching on a variety of trees including fir, hemlock, and pine, as well as maple, beech, birch, oak, elm, cherry and willow. They also eat several kinds of woody shrubs. Nesting: When not in trees, porcupines prefer the protection of a den. The dens can be found in rock crevices, caves, hollow logs, or under houses and barns. Behavior: Porcupines are nocturnal, which means they are active primarily at night. Porcupines like to sit quietly in trees, so if you spot one, you're should be able to get a good look at the animal. When porcupines are on the ground, they shuffle and waddle along. The long sharp quills provide protection from predators. The fisher is the most formidable predator of the porcupine. Great horned owls, coyotes, bobcats, cougars, and wolves also prey on porcupines.