Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation.

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, some …

The name porcupine means “quill pig”, but they’re not pigs. And, despite looking like hedgehog badgers, they’re not a member of those orders, either. Porcupines are rodents, but very …

The North American porcupine is one of the largest rodents found in North America, coming second to the North America beaver. They weigh around 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and are 2 to …

Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) are the third largest members of the rodent family that are covered with spines or quills. The name ‘porcupine’ comes from Middle French ‘porc d’épine’ …

Apr 11, 2025 · Porcupines are fascinating creatures known for their distinctive quills and solitary nature. They play unique roles as ecosystem engineers in forested areas by pruning tree limbs …

Jan 6, 2021 · A porcupine is a large rodent with a distinctive coat of protective quills. There are 30 species of porcupine divided between two families: Hystricidae (Old World porcupines) and …

There are more than two dozen porcupine species, and all boast a coat of needle-like quills to give predators a sharp reminder that this animal is no easy meal.

Everything you should know about the Porcupine. The Porcupine is a member of the rodent family that is covered in long, sharp spines for protection.