This is, in part, due to the solitary, nocturnal nature of the creature. Porcupines are concentrated mostly in the western one-fourth of the state, but are slowly spreading eastward.
Porcupines are the second largest of Oklahoma s rodents, with only the beaver being larger.
They can reach weights of about forty pounds, and can be over three feet from head to tail. A porcupine s entire body, with the exception of the belly and legs, is covered with sharp quills. The porcupine s quills, which are actually hardened, barbed hairs, are its primary source of protection. Porcupines cannot throw their quills as is popularly thought. They can, however, slap their quilled tail with lightning speed in the direction of an attacker.