According to in.gov, Porcupines are well known from Indian country’s history and cultural lore. They inhabited wilderness Indiana but were eliminated by settlement.
The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents, though its Latin name means “quill pig.” There are more than two dozen porcupine species, and all boast a coat of needle-like quills to give predators a sharp reminder that this animal is no easy meal. Some quills, like those of Africa's crested porcupine, are nearly a foot long.
Porcupines have soft hair, but on their back, sides, and tail it is usually mixed with sharp quills. These quills typically lie flat until a porcupine is threatened, then leap to attention as a persuasive deterrent. Porcupines cannot shoot them at predators as once thought, but the quills do detach easily when touched.
Porcupines might be considered a prickly bunch, but they're pretty cute once you learn more about them. Check out these 11 Prickly Facts about Porcupines shared by Mentalfloss.com.