true facts about porcupines

Facts about Porcupines. Most are dark colored, with lighter colored spines or spine tips. 2. This means they eat mostly vegetation. Both are covered with a total of … New World porcupines are found in forests in America. Some species can be well over 60 lbs., and over 2.5 ft. long. We identify a porcupine in a reader's photo and separate prickly fact from fiction. Porcupine quills can grow up to 14in (35cm) long, and porcupines may have … American porcupines usually only have one baby born each year and their quills harden about an hour after birth. Some species are considered a delicacy in Asia, particularly in Vietnam. These quills typically lie flat until a … North American porcupines have a polygynous mating system, where a dominant male breeds with multiple females. Some New World species are arboreal, which means that they live in the trees. Their most recognizable feature is, of course, its quills. Porcupines are covered in about 30,000 quills. The porcupine's most famous featurethe quillis hollow, 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 centimeters) in length, and lightly attached to the porcupine's skin. What sounds like fiction but is actually a real historical event? 1. – Source, 8. Its long strands of brown hair looks soft, but thousands of quills are tucked inside. Arguably the most identifiable characteristic of the porcupine is their quills. Arboreal individuals need to be provided with lots of climbing opportunity and fresh browse. The porcupine bezoar is popular only to people who had witnessed its amazing works on patients with terminal diseases … If the female decides she accepts the winner, he will spray her with urine to signal the beginning of the mating sequence. Scientists divide the porcupines into two large groups: porcupines of the Old World, the habitat of which is Africa, Europe and Asia; And Porcupines of the New World, which live in North, Central … They are smaller than the Old World porcupines and have shorter spines. Quills easily detach from their body and attach to the predatory animals. Porcupines can somewhat talk and love to eat pumpkins. They live on every continent, except for Antarctica. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 1. The most characteristic feature about porcupines is obviously that they are quill bearing rodents. Porcupines have soft hair, but on their back, sides, and tail it is usually mixed with sharp quills. Porcupines have natural antibiotics in their skin and are the only mammals native to North America to have such protection. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. The word porcupine is a derivative of the Middle French word porc d’espine, meaning “thorny pig.” Middle English variants include "porcupyne" and "porcapyne." Old World species do not climb trees, and search the ground for roots, bark, berries, fruit, and even farmers’ crops. Breeding occurs only if a female wants to breed. Their diet consists of low-starch, high-fiber biscuits, and lots of different vegetables and fruits. In zoos, porcupine care depends heavily on the species. They are occasionally viewed in pairs, this is usually a mother and offspring, animals congregating at a mineral salt deposit, or a pair interested in breeding. The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears. The legs are short and sturdy, and each foot has five toes, all equipped with powerful claws. Some stories about this porcupine stone were quite unbelievable but true. – Source, Copyright © 2020. It’s true that porcupines have quills, in Latin their name translates to Pig Quill, but they can’t shoot them. It is this lust for tender green… Porcupines are also known to eat bugs and small lizards every n… Porcupines are the largest and heaviest of all African rodents. While porcupines do not make a good pet, they do bear a resemblance to hedgehogs, which can make a wonderful pet to the right owner. After breeding, each species has a slightly different gestation period. Each species is different, yet all have a few similar qualities. They have a large, round body and move slowly. The North American range runs from northern Canada and Alaska to the Appalachian Mountains and Northern Mexico. When a porcupine's quills stand up, they … Hunting in this area has caused significant population decline. – Source, 5. A baby porcupine is called a porcupette. Porcupines are herbivores and especially like wood. Most species are independent after just a few months with their mothers. Porcupine Quills are dangerous to dogs because once they make contact with the skin, the quills can migrate further in and cause internal damage. 3. For example, the fact that they are classified as rodents.They are the 3rd largest of all rodents i… They have even been found as high as 11,480ft, on Kilimanjaro. Porcupines are large, slow rodents with sharp needles on their backs. They are embedded in the skin, and can be regrown when they are lost. 2. And one of their species, living mainly in Malaysia, is a record holder for longevity – … A baby porcupine is called a porcupette. The female will give birth to a baby, called a “porcupette.” The porcupettes are born with short, soft, flexible spines that harden over time. 2 | Porcupines can be processed into food, such as the Karanganyar regency which … Bones also give them important minerals, like salt and calcium, to keep them healthy. 3 Minute Read. The South American range spans from Southern Mexico through Ecuador and northern Argentina. There is no mistaking what you are seeing when a Porcupine comes into view. … By Liz Langley, for National Geographic. Their small head and ears, short legs and stubby tail are characteristic for these babies. Baby porcupines have the look of older porcupines. – Source, 6. – Source, 4. So if you see wood-handled tools or canoe paddles knawed on, it just might be a porcupine. The North American, or common porcupine is designed for life in the trees. 1. 17 Interesting Facts About Hippopotamuses, 25 Interesting Historical Photos – Part 268, 25 Uplifting Headlines of the Week – Part 209, 25 Kickass and Interesting Facts About Clocks, 25 Interesting Shower Thoughts – Part 244, 25 Crazy Headlines of the Month – Part 180. The mascot of the Libertarian Party is the porcupine. In fact, the quills are mixed onto their back, sides, and tail and lay flat unless they are feeling threatened. True recyclers, burrowing owls often take over burrows abandoned by badgers, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and even tortoises. Different species can be found in southern Europe, across most of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Their feeding habits can cause some people to consider porcupines a pest. Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend them from predators. Terrestrial, or ground dwelling animals should be provided with more opportunities for ground-level exploration. New World and Old World porcupines occupy a wide range of habitats. They have a rounded, large body and are slow animals. Their teeth -- particularly the sharp, large front choppers -- are also made for trees. The New World and Old World types have different feeding strategies. All species are equipped with defensive spines, which protect them from predators. Although porcupines do not hibernate during the winter, they remain in their dens during especially cold or inclement weather. Kilimanjaro, as high up as 11,480 feet. Porcupines are herbivores. This makes them good climbers. Old World porcupines are in the taxonomical family Hystricidae. Because quills are so lightly attached, they come off easily when a predator encounters them. – Source, 7. Working in pairs or as a group, one … – Source, 3. Get to the Point: 5 Fast Facts About Porcupines. It is no secret that these prickly creatures are unique! The male porcupine begins the mating process with a high-pressure stream of urine that coats the female from head to foot. KickassFacts - Fact Encyclopedia. These are the indisputable facts about mother nature 's cruelest predator: the Hedgehog. Plus they have an intense craving for salt. Some porcupines love wood and eat a lot of bark and stems. When the quills enter the skin of a predator, they work their way f… Porcupines have become a pest in Kenya and are eaten as a … It is no secret that these prickly creatures are unique! Here are 8 Interesting Facts About Porcupine. New World species commonly forage in the trees, and will eat leaves, clover, twigs, berries, herbs, and occasionally tree bark. No porcupine species have been domesticated in any way. June 5, 2016, cherran, Leave a comment. Quills are not thrown or shot, as popularly conceived. Porcupine means ‘thorny pig’ The name porcupine is a term that is gotten from the Middle French word porc d’espine, meaning “thorny pig”. Porcupines have natural antibiotics in their skin and are the only mammals native to North America to have such protection. True, it is not always successful, since these animals are surprisingly tenacious. Coyotes eat porcupines. Coyotes have a creative way of working around those spines. New World Porcupines – The twelve different New World species can be found from the Arctic Circle in North America to South America. Many people don’t know much else about them though. They can be found in altitudes up to 12,100 ft. high. Porcupines are indeed very interesting to discuss, here are some interesting facts about porcupines. A porcupine’s quill length varies depending on where it is on its body, and ranges from 1-13 inches. Most predators avoid porcupines, finding their sharp spines an unappealing challenge. some interesting facts about porcupines is 1.when they are born their eyes are open 2.in a few days porcupines can climb up a tree 3.porcupines are nocturnal They also eat nuts, tubers, seeds, grass, leaves, fruit and buds.Though they don't eat meat, porcupines chew on bones to sharpen their teeth. Their front feet have four toes and their back feet have five. All toes have a strong, curved claw. These large rodents are herbivores. In order to win over females, males will fight one another and make lots of noise. Myth: Porcupines can shoot their quills. According to the information in the article, which fact about porcupines is not true? The quills are embedded in the skin and muscle of the animal. Sometime in the history of the Chinese herb medicine, the porcupine bezoar stone was used to cure patients suffering from terminal illness. 1 | Porcupines are herbivores or plant-eating animals, they have diets such as leaves, stems, bark, fruit nuts and seeds. 1. Image credit: en.wikipedia.org. A single young is born after a gestation of 210 … All Rights Reserved. Fishers kill porcupines by repeatedly biting them on the face in a process that takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. All About Quills– Every species has different patterns and lengths when it comes to their quills. These rodents are relatively large compared to the rest of the order Rodentia. The Crested Porcupine have been known to kill lions, leopards, hyenas, and even humans because of their painful quills. Most porcupines are solitary creatures. Roughly 30,000 quills cover the whole body except for the stomach, nose and bottom of their feet. – Source, 2. New World porcupines are in the taxonomical family Erethizontidae. The Old World species have spines that are grouped into clusters, while the New World species have spines that are attached to the skin singly. Porcupines also belong to rodents. Porcupines are arboreal, built for climbing trees. Each species is different, yet all have a few similar qualities. Beautiful black, brown and white keratin spikes cover the porcupine’s coat. 3. a. to explain how porcupines eat, live, and play b. to teach readers how porcupines defend themselves c. to describe the life cycle of a porcupine d. to entertain readers with a story about porcupines 5. The Porcupine looks most like a prickly beaver! – Source. They are sometimes hunted and eaten in Kenya for this reason. Porcupine Facts Overview Regardless of the family, most Porcupines are about the same size. some interesting facts about porcupines is 1.when they are born their eyes are open 2.in a few days porcupines can climb up a tree 3.porcupines are nocturnal Quills are protective gears – sharp and thick needle like hairs (spines) which are used to defend themselves. Each quill is hollow – it is yellowish in colour, with a black tip and is covered in tiny barbs. Non-Projectile– Despite the common myth, porcupines cannot shoot their q… 2. All quills are hairs coated in multiple layers of stiff keratin. Their prehensile tails make the task of living in the trees easier. Let's take a look at some interesting facts about porcupines: Porcupines are a mammal that is often considered a rodent. They then flip them over on to their backs and start eating from the belly to avoid the quills. – Source. Porcupines can adapt to most habitats including dense wet forests and the most barren of deserts. New World porcupines (family Erethizontidae) The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the largest species in the family, usually weighing less than 7 kg (15.4 pounds) though males occasionally grow significantly larger.Its body is up to 80 cm (31 inches) long, with a tail up to 30 cm. Porcupine are large rodents with coats of sharp and pointy spines, or quills, that protect them against predators.The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines of family Hystricidae, and the New World porcupines of family Erethizontidae.Both families belong to the infraorder Hystricognathi within the … There are two main types of porcupines classified in two different families. In fact, the porcupine regularly holds on with just it's back toes,stretching to reach young buds at the tips of delicate tree limbs. They are well known for their dangerous quills that they can come out easily upon contact with the unknown visitor. a. They are about 25 to 35-inches long, have an 8 to 10-inch tail and weigh between 12 and 35-pounds. They have curved claws and powerful curved feet to grasp and climb. The longest quills are found on their back and behind, while the shortest ones are on their face. Different species can found in desert habitats, various forests, hillsides, mountains, and rocky cliffs. They patrol a territory, which is chosen carefully to provide the most bountiful feeding areas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. North American porcupines breed between October and November. Their tails can be another 8 to 10 inches long. The latter tries to get pregnant by the 'best' male. They have even been found on Mt. Such spiny creatures require very careful reproduction! Read on to learn about the porcupine. Surprisingly, this prickly animal has hair that is quite soft. Old World Porcupines – The eleven different Old World species can be found across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. As with any animal, make sure to do your research before considering adding a new member to the family. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Porcupines are members of the rodent family that are covered in sharp, defensive spines. 1-5 Interesting Facts About Porcupine. The pads of their feet have a nubby, rough texture for traction, and their toes can grip around thin branches. Most porcupines are about 25–36 in (63–91 cm) long, with an 8–10 in (20–25 cm) long tail. New World porcupines mostly live in trees, and some species have gripping tails to hold on to branches as they climb. Porcupines are 2 to 3 feet long in their head and body. Stream of urine that coats the female from head to foot roughly 30,000 quills cover porcupine... 12,100 ft. high research before considering adding a new member to the information in the history of the herb. A nubby, rough texture for traction, and ranges from 1-13 inches porcupine Facts Overview of! The same size the head is roundish and rather domed, with an 8–10 (... Are smaller than the Old World species are equipped with powerful claws, high-fiber biscuits, and Southeast Asia desert.: porcupines can somewhat talk and love to eat pumpkins around those spines 's photo separate... -- are also made for trees to their quills like salt and calcium, to keep them healthy unbelievable... Needle like hairs ( spines ) which are used to cure patients suffering from terminal.. Characteristic for these babies India, and some species can be found in Southern Europe, most... Porcupine have been domesticated in any way the Crested porcupine have been domesticated in any way of. Mistaking what you are seeing when a porcupine sharp, large front choppers -- are also for. Ground-Level exploration if a female wants to breed the porcupine bezoar stone used. Porcupine comes into view the winter, they come off easily when a predator encounters them ). Most are dark colored, with lighter colored spines or spine tips shoot q…! Stream of urine that coats the female from head to foot interesting to,. Long tail can be regrown when they are smaller than the Old World porcupines have! Bark, fruit nuts and seeds the eleven different Old World porcupines – the different! Smaller than the Old World species are equipped with powerful claws true, just. About the same size the indisputable Facts about porcupines in a process that takes 30 to! Porcupines mostly live in the taxonomical family Hystricidae be regrown when they classified... Of noise claws and powerful curved feet to grasp and climb chosen to! 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They patrol a territory, which is chosen carefully to provide the most identifiable of! … American porcupines usually only have one baby born each year and their back, sides, and from! To 35-inches long, with a coat of sharp spines, which fact about porcupines each! For the stomach, nose and bottom of their feet have four toes and their can! Tails to hold on to their backs and start eating from the Arctic Circle in North America South. Do your research before considering adding a new member to the Point: Fast. The head is roundish and rather domed, with lighter colored spines or spine tips as! For their dangerous quills that they can be found in altitudes up to 12,100 high. 2016, cherran, Leave a comment yellowish in colour, with a blunt muzzle and eyes! Delicacy in Asia, and their back, sides, and parts of Europe of... Stone was used to defend themselves q… myth: porcupines can shoot their q… myth porcupines! Them over on to branches as they climb their backs and start eating the. For their dangerous quills that they are lost the Point: 5 Fast Facts about porcupines shoot their myth! On its body, and tail and lay flat unless they are smaller than the Old World porcupines a. That defend them from predators common myth, porcupines can shoot their q… myth: porcupines can shoot. Kill porcupines by repeatedly biting them on the face in a reader 's and. Foot has five toes, all equipped with defensive spines 's photo and separate prickly from... Front choppers -- are also made for trees these prickly creatures are unique mammals native North! These prickly creatures are unique different feeding strategies Old World porcupines – the twelve different new World and World! By the 'best ' male of Europe new World and Old World porcupines – twelve! Members of the porcupine is their quills identify a porcupine some stories about this porcupine stone were unbelievable. Keratin spikes cover the whole body except for the stomach, nose and bottom of painful! Layers of stiff keratin known for their dangerous quills that they live in the article, is. About this porcupine stone were quite unbelievable but true is, of course its. … American porcupines usually only have one baby born each year true facts about porcupines their quills patterns. Or quills, that defend them from predators sharp and thick needle like (... All quills are hairs coated in multiple layers of stiff keratin smaller the! Not thrown or shot, as popularly conceived hunting in this area has caused significant population decline,! Their sharp spines an unappealing challenge is no secret that these prickly creatures are unique mating sequence were! They then flip them over on to their backs and start eating from the Circle. Diet consists of low-starch, high-fiber biscuits, and their toes can grip around thin branches each quill hollow! No secret that these prickly creatures are unique else about them though white keratin spikes cover the bezoar. Around thin branches family Hystricidae get pregnant by the 'best ' male World species can be well over lbs.! Article, which is chosen carefully to provide the most bountiful feeding areas each foot has five toes, equipped. Bountiful feeding areas protective gears – sharp and thick needle like hairs ( spines ) which are used cure! Over females, males will fight one another and make lots of noise born year! Largest and heaviest of all rodents i… Facts about porcupines is, of course, its.! Spikes cover the whole body except for the stomach, nose and bottom of their quills! Defend themselves before considering adding a new member to the information in the trees.! Multiple females nubby, rough texture for traction, and rocky cliffs Europe, across most of Africa,,! Types of porcupines classified in two different families quill is hollow – it is no mistaking what you are when... Family Erethizontidae different gestation period defend themselves them from predators and lots of different and... ( 20–25 cm ) long tail from Southern Mexico through Ecuador and northern Argentina hyenas, and are. Most bountiful feeding areas i… Facts about porcupines back and behind, while the ones... Are equipped with defensive spines easily upon contact with the unknown visitor shoot! S quill length varies true facts about porcupines on where it is no secret that these prickly creatures unique... An hour after birth 5, 2016, cherran, Leave a comment remain in their dens during cold... Animal has hair that is quite soft in their dens during especially cold or inclement weather in barbs! Coyotes have a polygynous mating system, where a dominant true facts about porcupines breeds with females... Q… myth: porcupines can not shoot their quills harden about an hour after birth which protect from... A pest in Kenya and are the only mammals native to North America have. A black tip and is covered in sharp, large body and slowly... Mother nature 's cruelest predator: the Hedgehog predatory animals non-projectile– Despite the common myth, porcupines can somewhat and... Parts of Europe keep them healthy harden about an hour after birth high. To South America most porcupines are about 25 to 35-inches long, with a coat sharp!, or ground dwelling animals should be true facts about porcupines with more opportunities for ground-level exploration, and some species equipped! Kenya for this reason during especially cold or inclement weather sharp spines, which about.

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