The North American beaver is the largest rodent in North America and the second-largest in the world, only to the capybara. You'll know you're in bobcat territory if you come across a scratched-up tree while hiking. They tend to flee when encountered in the wild, but it's still best to keep your distance, especially if you come across a mother bobcat and her cubs. These predators are fast, agile, and capable of killing prey as large as elk.įortunately, bobcats are not known to attack humans. At a glance, they simply look like large house cats, but they are much more dangerous than Mr. However, their most distinctive feature is their short or "bobbed" tail from which their name is derived. They have spotted fur and tufts of hair on their face that makes them look like they're sporting mutton chops. Always make sure to be aware of your surroundings when hiking or camping with your furry friend.īobcats are a type of lynx and can be found anywhere between Canada and Mexico, although they have an exceptionally high population in Maine. Dogs, however, don't always understand the message and often receive a faceful of these sharp quills. They raise their quills when threatened and generally give predators and unlucky humans ample time to back away. Their quills can grow up to an impressive three inches long, but they don't pose much of a threat to humans. The name porcupine loosely translates to "spiny pig" in Latin, a silly yet apt name.
These New World porcupines live in North and South America and are abundant in Maine. The New World variety is much smaller, less nocturnal, and can climb trees some species even spend their entire lives up in the trees. There are nearly sixty species of porcupines worldwide, and they are all sorted into two categories: New World porcupines and Old World porcupines.
Here are just a few of the animals you can expect to find in our state and what to do when you encounter them. We get to share these forests with some amazing creatures, and there's a good chance you might run into some of them during your adventures. Our 17 million acres of forests come alive during the summer and are teeming with trails to explore, hike, or ride. Southern Maine isn't just for beach bums.