Interesting Facts About Porcupines

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Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predators

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A medium sized animal, the porcupine grows to a length of 18 to 23 inches and weighs up to 28 pounds

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They have about 30,000 quills, which are lightly attached and come off easily when a predator encounters them

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Quills are hollow hairs with backward-facing barbs at the tip, similar to fish hooks, but porcupines can't throw or shoot their quills

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Porcupines are surprisingly good swimmers because their hollow quills help them stay afloat

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Porcupines breed in the fall and winter, and give birth to porcupettes in the spring or early summer

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Usually black or brown, with light coloured quills, they are mostly nocturnal, but can be active during the day

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