Porcupine, << PAWR kyuh pyn, >> is the name for a number of mammals that have strong, stiff quills on the back, sides, and tail. Porcupine quills consist of long, sharp bristles of hairs that are fused (grown together). When disturbed, porcupines will raise and shake their quills and stamp their feet as a warning. If attacked, however, the animals defend themselves by striking enemies with their quilled tails. The quills come out easily and stick into the attacker’s flesh. The porcupine grows new quills to replace the ones lost. Porcupines cannot shoot quills at their enemies, as some people believe. In certain species (kinds) of porcupines, the tip of each quill is covered with tiny, backward-pointing projections called barbs. The barbs hook into the flesh, making the quills difficult to remove. Porcupine quills cause great pain, and they may create infections that hinder the attacker’s ability to move or to chew and swallow food.
Porcupines are rodents (gnawing mammals). Most have heavy-set bodies with mainly brownish or blackish coloring. The quills usually are lighter in color, and they often are marked with alternating black and white or black and yellow bands. Porcupines generally become active at night. Most kinds live alone, though some live in small family groups. Biologists classify porcupines in two principal categories, the Old World porcupines and the New World porcupines.
Old World porcupines inhabit Africa, southeastern Asia, India, and southern Europe. They measure from 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 centimeters) long, including the tail. These porcupines generally live on the ground, sleeping in underground burrows during the day. Their diet consists of plant roots, fruit, and bark. Females give birth to one or two young at a time. One common species, the Cape porcupine, lives in much of central and southern Africa.
New World porcupines occur in North and South America. They grow about 12 to 48 inches (30 to 122 centimeters) long, including the tail. These animals are excellent climbers and they spend most of their lives in trees. Some South American species have tails that can grasp branches. New World porcupines feed on a tree’s leaves and inner bark, and they often sleep in protected areas in the trees. Females usually give birth to one young. A common New World porcupine, the North American porcupine, lives throughout North America.
