An extinct north American porcupine with a South American tail.

New World porcupines (Erethizontinae) originated in South America and dispersed into North America as part of the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) 3-4 million years ago. Extant prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou) today live in tropical forests of Central and South America. In contrast, North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) are thought to be ecologically adapted to higher-latitude temperate forests, with a larger body, shorter tail, and diet that includes bark.