The Porcupine is the largest porcupine species in the world and Africa’s largest rodent. It’s easily recognized by its long, sharp quills, which are modified hairs coated in keratin. When threatened, a porcupine will raise and rattle its quills, stamp its feet, and charge backward to stab predators. Contrary to myth, they can’t shoot their quills, but the quills detach easily and can cause serious injury. Porcupines are nocturnal and shy, spending their days in burrows or under rocky outcrops. At night, they emerge to forage on roots, bulbs, bark, and fruits, often leaving behind clear trails. Despite their size, they are gentle and slow-moving, preferring to avoid conflict unless provoked. They are monogamous and often mate for life, raising one or two young in well-protected dens. They also chew on bones and antlers to sharpen their teeth and get calcium — a behavior called osteophagy. Their strong jaws can gnaw through tree bark and even human tools left outside.