Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predators. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines in the family …

Oct 8, 2025 · porcupine, any of several species of large, herbivorous, quill-bearing rodents active from early evening to dawn. All have short stocky legs, but their tails range from short to long, …

The spiny outer protective layer of a porcupine resembles that of hedgehogs, which are not related. The name porcupine comes from the Latin words ‘porcus’ and ‘spina’ which translate …

The porcupine's most famous feature—the quill—is hollow, 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 centimeters) in length, and lightly attached to the porcupine's skin. Porcupines are covered in about 30,000 …

There are, in total, 27 species of porcupine belonging to the families, Erethizontidae or Hystricidae. Porcupines (like monkeys) are divided into New World (Erethizontidae) and Old …

Nov 5, 2024 · There are about 30,000 quills that cover a porcupine’s body! ∙ Quills as Defense: Quills are used for defense. They are hollow and lightly attached, so that when a predator …

Jan 6, 2021 · What Is A Porcupine? A porcupine is a large rodent with a distinctive coat of protective quills. There are 30 species of porcupine divided between two families: Hystricidae …

The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the second largest rodent in North America, after the North American beaver. In addition, the range of this species is the …

Oct 11, 2024 · Porcupines make one of the world's most iconic exotic animals. Learn why and more about these spiny critters with these 40 Porcupine facts.