Why Do Porcupines Have Quills?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do porcupines have quills?

The Big Idea

Quills are a stay-back fence! They are modified hairs with tiny barbs. A predator that bites gets a mouthful of trouble, and learns to pick other food. Hedgehogs in other countries use spines for protection too.

Hunter Comes

Step one: the hunter comes. A curious animal gets close to a porcupine. The porcupine stays calm, and gets ready. The face and belly have fewer quills, so the porcupine protects its back.

Quills Rise

Step two: the quills rise. The porcupine turns its back, and raises its quills. It may also slap its tail, to warn the hunter.

Contact Hurts

Step three: the quills lodge on contact. If the animal touches it, loose quills come out easily, and stick in the attacker. The hunter leaves, and learns a painful lesson. Quills grow back after they are lost, so the porcupine is soon protected again.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a quill! The quill is a stiff, sharp hair. The barb tip has tiny hooks that hold on. The belly and face have fewer quills, so they are softer. And the raised tail is part of the warning.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Porcupines cannot shoot quills like arrows. Contact does the job. Dogs that poke porcupines need a vet, fast. Quills grow back after they are lost. Never touch a porcupine, and be careful in porcupine country.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at a photo of a porcupine with its quills raised. Which side is the fence? Why would shooting quills be a myth? Write down what you noticed.

Outro

Respect the quills, and give porcupines lots of room. A porcupine wears its own safety fence. It is a polite way to say, please stay back! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!