The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a large rodent native to North America, commonly found in various habitats across the continent. Here’s a description of its distribution:

1. Canada: North American porcupines are widespread throughout Canada, inhabiting forests, grasslands, and tundra regions from coast to coast. They are found in all Canadian provinces and territories, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces.
2. United States: North American porcupines are also found throughout much of the United States, with populations present in diverse habitats including forests, mountains, and deserts. They are particularly common in regions such as the northeastern United States, the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of the Midwest.
3. Mexico: North American porcupines extend into northern Mexico, where they inhabit forested regions in the northern states of the country, including Chihuahua, Sonora, and Durango.

North American porcupines are well-adapted to their environment, with a coat of sharp, barbed quills that act as a defense mechanism against predators. They are primarily nocturnal and herbivorous, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, twigs, and bark. Despite their slow-moving nature, they are skilled climbers and spend much of their time in trees, especially during the warmer months.

These porcupines are not considered endangered, but they may face threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and interactions with humans, such as conflicts with pets or damage to trees in forests. However, they are generally resilient and adaptable, able to persist in a wide range of habitats across North America.