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 …

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 to mean ‘pig spine’, …

Old World porcupines live in Europe, Africa, and Asia; some examples are the North African crested porcupine, African brush-tailed porcupine, and Indian crested porcupine.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Home Explore Animals Wildlife Habitats North American Porcupine Discover More Animals Left Column American Bison Black Bears Bald Eagles Bobcats Center Column Elk Hawks Owls Right Column …

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.