Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines of the family Hystricidae , and the New World porcupines of the family Erethizontidae .

Jan 6, 2021 · Porcupine facts, pictures and in-depth information for kids & adults. Species, diet, habitat, lifestyle, where found, fun facts on porcupines

It is a member of the mustelid family, and is the only living member of the genus Pekania. It is sometimes referred to as a fisher cat, although it is not a cat. [3] The fisher is closely related to, but larger than, the American marten (Martes americana) and Pacific marten (Martes caurina).

Porcupines are rodents, but very different from one another. The two families are not even closely related; the Rodentia order is exceptionally diverse, and despite looking similar, new and old-world quill pigs actually evolved their quills independently, through a …

May 27, 2024 · Porcupines are large, terrestrial rodents that are known for their sharp quills. They belong to the rodent family Erethizontidae and are native to North America, South America, and parts of Africa and Asia. The earliest known porcupines date back to the Eocene epoch, around 55 million years ago.

Can porcupines shoot their quills at predators? Get the pointed truth, plus other fascinating facts about these prickly rodents.

Feb 5, 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, some being prehensile.

Aug 28, 2017 · If you’re pet spends a fair amount of time outdoors, they may encounter a variety of woodland creatures, and for most furry friends, curiosity can often get the better of them. So what do you do if your pet encounters a porcupine? Find out just how dangerous these prickly mammals can be.

Large cats, especially lions, and human hunters (bushmeat trade) threaten Old World porcupines. New World porcupines’ predators include martens, wolverines, pythons, eagles, and great-horned owls. One porcupine predator, the fisher, is able to flip the North American porcupine onto its back, exposing its unprotected belly.