Porcupine

Porcupines are large, slow-moving rodents with sharp quills on their backs. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Scientists group porcupines into two groups: Old World porcupines, which are found in Africa, Europe and Asia; and New World porcupines, which are found in North, Central, and South America.  The North American porcupine is the only species found in the United States and Canada. When Threatened by Predators Like Mountain Lions and Fishers, it turns it's back to the enemy, raises its approximately 30,00 quills, and strikes out with its tail. the barbed quills, which are really modified hairs loosely attached to the skin, become embedded on contract. the porcupine is a large nocturnal rodent. if seen during the day, it appears as a round, dark shape high in a tree. at night it clambers from tree to tree, often causing serious damage by feeding on buds, twigs, and bark. in areas where trappers have eliminated the porcupine's predators, its population has increased dramiticaly-much to the dismay of foresters.
Category:Mammals
Category:Rodents
Category:Wildlife
Category:American Animals