Erethizontidae family

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

The porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is best known for the sharp quills that cover its body. A slow moving, medium-sized mammal, the porcupine has poor eyesight and relies on its sense of hearing and smell, as well as its quills to avoid predators.

The porcupine’s fearsome arsenal of quills is an effective deterrent to predators. These form a protective armour around the rodent, which it raises when it feels threatened. The long quills on its neck and shoulders are flexible while the smaller ones are sharp and rigid.

They become dehydrated almost immediately. Their tongues and mouths get filled with the quills and the dogs can’t swallow or produce saliva. They die in just a matter of hours due to the dehydration. It’s a hideous way for them to die.

As quills move deeper over time, they cause pain. They may even penetrate important organs and structures – quills may be found months to years later in the lungs, heart, and abdominal organs, compromising their function and potentially causing death.

A porcupine’s quills are likely to be covered in bacteria which can cause infection and abscesses. The longer the quills are embedded in your dog, the further into the tissue they move in. And, the deeper they go, the more likely abscesses will form and complications will ensue.

Will the porcupines attack me? Porcupines do not attack, but they are very good a defending themselves as necessary. They are actually peaceful and pleasant creatures that prefer to waddle through life at a comfortable pace. If necessary, however, their defense is effective.