Porcupine - Wikipedia 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 New World porcupines in the family Erethizontidae
Porcupine | Size, Diet, Facts | Britannica 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 prehensile The quills, or spines, take various forms depending on the species, but all are modified hairs embedded in skin musculature
North American porcupine - Smithsonians National Zoo 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 dislodge in the skin of predators
Porcupine - Facts, Diet Habitat Information - Animal Corner 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’ meaning ‘thorny pig’
Porcupine - U. S. National Park Service 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 and transporting nutrients from the canopies of trees to the ground
Everything You Need to Know About Porcupines - Wild Explained Porcupines are fascinating creatures that are known for their unique appearance and intriguing behaviors In this comprehensive article, we will explore everything you need to know about porcupines, from their defining characteristics to their defense mechanisms, diet, and more
Porcupines | National Geographic The North American porcupine is the only species that lives in the U S and Canada, and is the largest of all porcupines A single animal may have 30,000 or more quills
Porcupines - Mass Audubon Porcupines are solitary, slow-moving animals that largely keep to themselves unless threatened The name “porcupine” comes from the French words for “pig” and “spiny,” but these unusual animals belong to the rodent family Their famous spines are specially modified hairs that are barbed and hollow
20 Types of Porcupines: Species, Facts and Photos - TRVST Porcupines are well-known prickly rodents, with species scattered from tropical to temperate regions across Asia, Southern Europe, Africa, and the Americas In this article, we analyze different types of porcupines, highlighting their varied habitats and distinct appearances