1. large rodents with sharp quills or spines covering their bodies as protection from predators

Examples

• Porcupines are found in forests across North America.
• The dog learned to avoid porcupines after getting quills in its nose.
• Porcupines climb trees to feed on bark and leaves.
• Baby porcupines are born with soft quills that harden within hours.
• When threatened, porcupines raise their quills and back toward the danger.
• The zoo’s porcupines are popular with visitors during feeding time.