New World porcupine

New World porcupines are a family of arboreal rodents (Erethizontidae) native to North and South America. They are characterized by their quills, which are modified hairs used for defense. Unlike Old World porcupines, New World porcupines have quills interspersed with bristles and hair, and they cannot throw their quills, though they detach easily.12

The North American porcupine is the largest species, inhabiting forests across Canada and into Mexico. While it can be found on the ground, it is also arboreal, climbing trees for food such as buds, leaves, and bark. Other New World porcupines are primarily arboreal, living in tropical forests and using their prehensile tails for balance as they navigate trees at night.2