Porcupine

Ever been prickled by a porcupine?

Porcupines have soft hair nestling within the thousands of sharp quills on their backs and tails. These quills are soft at birth but harden and sharpen after just a few days, so they're not to be messed about with!

Herbivores, they have a lifespan of up to seven years in the wild. And while they look pretty small they can grow up to 90cm from head to tail, and weigh as much as 17kg! If you hear a piglike squeal you'll know your close to the porcupine quarters - either that or Dolly is up to one of her tricks...