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 Hystricidae, and the …

Jan 17, 2026 · 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 being …

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 World (Hystricidae) …

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 3 feet (60 to 90 …

Aug 2, 2025 · These primarily nocturnal creatures are found across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia, occupying diverse habitats ranging from dense tropical forests to arid savannas and …

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 (Old World …

Apr 11, 2025 · The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is a medium-sized rodent, typically weighing between 10 - 30 pounds. It has a stocky build with a dense, coarse fur coat and, most …

The porcupine, a creature synonymous with its formidable coat of quills, is far more than just a prickly enigma. These fascinating rodents, found across diverse landscapes from dense forests to arid …

Porcupines are lumbering, rotund rodents with needle-like spikes, called quills, covering their back, sides, and tail. A single porcupine can have more than 30,000 quills, which are actually...

Porcupines, though dangerous, are not aggressive. They are defensive animals; they have no offensive weapons, only defensive quills. These quiet vegetarians wish only to be left alone to eat in peace. A …