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, …

Porcupines are native to the forests of North America and instantly recognizable by their coats of nearly 30,000 quills. While these hollow quills can't be shot, they are loosely attached and will …

Nov 5, 2024 · ∙ Basics: The American porcupine is a large rodent with sharp quills. Their fur is brownish-yellow to black. Their quills are usually white or yellow. ∙ Stats: The average weight …

North American porcupines use their large front teeth to satisfy a healthy appetite for wood. They eat natural bark and stems, and have been known to invade campgrounds and chew on canoe …

All porcupines are nocturnal and quite adaptable, found in a variety of habitats, as long as there is vegetation. There are a few differences between Old World and New World porcupines: Old …

Belonging to two major families— Erethizontidae in the New World and Hystricidae in the Old World—porcupines are rodent marvels with a fascinating blend of ancient defense …

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 …

Porcupines are usually dark brown or black in color, with white highlights. They have a stocky body, a small face, short legs, and a short, thick tail. This species is the largest of the New …