Hog-rat

Hog-rat, or HUTIA (Capromys), a genus of porcupine-like rodents (Hystricomorpha) of the family Octodontidae. The body is from 20 to 22 inches long, covered with long very harsh fur, consisting of a mixture of black and yellow hairs; the tail is stout and rounded and slightly hairy, and is used for support in sitting erect or for aid in climbing trees. They are nocturnal or crepuscular animals; their food is almost entirely vegetable. Three species are known, two inhabiting Cuba, and one Jamaica, where they are found in large numbers in the dense forests on trees or in thick underwood. The negroes use them for food, capturing them by snaring or hunting them with dogs.