The Porcupine belong in the family of rodents. Adults measures about 24–36 inches long, with tails that can reach up to 10 inches.They come With various colors of white, gray and brown. Depending on the specie of this rodent, it can Weigh between 5 to 16 kilograms.
The Porcupine is the most defensive small animal against large predators. Its coat consists of quills or sharp spines shoot those who tried to attack or threatened it. Its sharp and sturdy needle-like quills remain flat on its backs until when it is threatened or excited. Predators who planned to have a Porcupine on their meal will have second thoughts once they feel the sting of the quills.
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| Attacked by a Porcupine |
Porcupines are usually found on the regions of America and Africa and some parts of Asia. They are classified into two; the tree climbers and non-climbers. The ones who love climbing trees are commonly found in America while those in Africa are non-climbers an only found most on their diet on the ground.
As a natural herbivore, it eats green leaves, herbs and sometimes twigs. During the cold season, majority of them hibernates and would eat barks of trees.
Porcupines are mostly nocturnal. They usually sleep during the day and find food during the night. They live in forests however, some of their population can be found on deserts and rocky hills. They got their name from a French word porc espin meaning a spined pig. They are also called quill pig on some Western countries. An average lifespan of a Porcupine is 6 to 7 years. Females gave birth to one or four youngs after gestation.
