North American Porcupine

rodents · spiky · North America · defense

Second largest rodent. The North American porcupine is huge for a rodent, second only to the beaver in North America. These spiky creatures can weigh as much as a small dog.

Quills as armor. A porcupine's body is covered with thousands of sharp quills that stick out like armor. When a predator gets too close, these quills detach easily and stick into the attacker's skin as a powerful defense.

Ancient travelers. Porcupines originally came from Africa millions of years ago, then traveled to South America. About 3 million years ago, when the Isthmus of Panama rose up and connected North and South America, porcupines migrated north to where they live today.

Rodent family member. Despite their spikes, porcupines are actually rodents, just like mice, rats, and squirrels. They belong to a special group called caviomorphs that includes guinea pigs and rock cavies.