The name “porcupine” comes from the Latin words for “pig” and “spiny,” but these unusual animals belong to the rodent family. Their famous spines are special modified hairs that are barbed and hollow. While these quills may scare off most predators, the fisher—our largest weasel—isn’t deterred: it’s one of the few mammals that preys on the porcupine. The North American porcupine is the only species of porcupine that makes its home in the U.S. Here are five photos captured by past participants in our Photo Contest.
2014 Photo Contest Entry © Kim McNeil
2011 Photo Contest Entry © Chris Ruggiero
2010 Photo Contest Entry © Flickr user foothills732
2014 Photo Contest Entry © Lisa Strout
2011 Photo Contest Entry © Daniel Finnerty
