Erethizontidae
Pronounced er-a-thigh-ZON-i-dee
There are 10 species of what are referred to as "New World" porcupines and all exist in the Western Hemisphere ("Old World" porcupines live in the Eastern Hemisphere). These animals are large, heavy set rodents with feet adapted for living in trees. The porcupine, listed below, is the second largest rodent in North America. All porcupines have quills that are used to protect themselves against predators (Nowak 1991; Maser 1981).