Mammalian spines have evolved from modified hairs, made of a fibrous protein called keratin. Technically, a distinction is sometimes made between spines and quills, but in general usage, the two terms ...

Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more. The porcupine is best known for leaving quills in the flesh of its predators, be they wolves, ...

Something occurred to me recently that I’d never thought of before: porcupine birth. Yeah. Ouch, right? Covered head to tail in sharp quills—that’s gotta pose a serious problem in the delivery room.

People Can't Believe Adorable Fluffball is Actually a California Zoo's Baby Porcupine originally appeared on PetHelpful. When you think of a porcupine, what adjectives come to mind? Most people think ...