Bull Trout, Salvelinus confluentus, and North American Porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, Interaction in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories

Authors

  • Peter A. Cott Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 101, 5204-50th Avenue, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 1E2
  • Neil J. Mochnacz Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i4.523

Keywords:

Bull Trout, Salvelinus confluentus, North American Porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, prey, interaction, diet, Northwest Territories, Mackenzie Mountains, Mackenzie Valley

Abstract

Evidence of an interaction between a Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and a North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), was observed during a fisheries survey in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories. A male Bull Trout with porcupine quills imbedded in its mouth was collected. It is speculated that this occurred when the trout was aggressively defending its territory from a perceived threat – a swimming porcupine. This is the first documented account of an interaction between a fish and a porcupine.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 4 (2007)

Section

Notes

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