1. Porcupines cannot shoot their quills

Contrary to myth, they cannot throw their quills but they are loosely attached and easily shed on contact. They can also fall when the porcupine makes them shake and rattle, as a warning to potential predators.

2. Porcupines attack backwards

When disturbed, they raise and fan quills to create an illusion of greater size. If the disturbance continues, they charge the enemy, back end first, to embed their sharp quills in an attacker. Such attacks have been known to kill lions, leopards, hyenas, and humans.

3. Porcupine are monogamous

They mate for life and the male also plays an active role in raising the litter.

4. Porcupine’s quills grow back

A porcupine can often lose its quills in a scuffle or while running through the bush but they will soon grow back.

5. Porcupines can be scavengers

Mostly vegetarians, they are also known to scavenge from time to time - feeding on carcasses or even digging through rubbish bins.