Porcupine soup car accident. These fascinating rodents, found across diverse landscapes from dense forests to arid deserts, embody a remarkable story of adaptation, survival, and ecological significance. All have short stocky legs, but their tails range from short to long, some being prehensile. The porcupine, a creature synonymous with its formidable coat of quills, is far more than just a prickly enigma. Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predators. New World porcupines live in North, Central, and South America; some examples are the Canadian porcupine, Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine, and Brazilian porcupine. They weigh around 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and are 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) in length. 15 Types of Porcupines You Need to Know 1. . Aug 2, 2025 · These primarily nocturnal creatures are found across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia, occupying diverse habitats ranging from dense tropical forests to arid savannas and mountainous regions. Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predators. Jan 17, 2026 · Porcupine, any of several species of large, herbivorous, quill-bearing rodents active from early evening to dawn. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines in the family Hystricidae, and the New World porcupines in the family Erethizontidae. The North American porcupine is one of the largest rodents found in North America, coming second to the North America beaver. North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) Size: 60–90 cm | Weight: 5–14 kg | Status: Least Concern Range: Canada, United States, and Northern Mexico This is the heavyweight of North America. This guide explores 25 types of porcupines, highlighting their unique physical characteristics, geographic ranges, diets, and behaviors. It’s the second-largest rodent on the continent, trailing only the beaver.