Porcupine Quills

Porcupine quills are modified hairs coated with keratin, designed for defense. When threatened, a porcupine charges backward or sideways, thrusting its quills into a predator. The quills are lightweight, rigid, and covered with tiny barbs that make them difficult to remove once embedded, causing discomfort and potential injury to the attacker. Quill removal can be challenging and may require medical intervention. These specialized structures provide effective protection without the need for active combat, allowing porcupines to deter predators through passive defense.