2006-10-08 23:43:43 · 13 answers · asked by sdh22892 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Porcupines cannot throw their quills, When a porcupine is threatened, it assumes a defensive posture—head and shoulders lowered, back to the threat, every quill erect, tail thrashing back and fourth. This is usually enough to scare away any would-be predator. Quills come out of the porcupine's skin easily, but they quickly become embedded in the enemy, working their way in deeper and deeper. Not only is this painful, it can be fatal.
http://www.iwrc-online.org/kids/Facts/Mammals/porcupine.htm
2006-10-08 23:52:01 · answer #1 · answered by marnibrown1 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do Porcupines Shoot Their Quills
2016-10-06 05:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Is it true that porcupines can shoot their quills?
2015-08-05 20:54:30 · answer #3 · answered by Emmaline 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Completely false. Some times in a physical clash or fight with any other animal the quills are left embeded in the other animal's flesh thereby raising rumours that the porcupine shoots quills !
2006-10-09 00:00:45 · answer #4 · answered by sharad b 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When attacked, the porcupine can raise its quills, hence, leaving its easily removed quills in an attacking predators mouth and face. The quills have small barbs on their tip, making it difficult to remove, inevitably, leading said predator to its demise from an inability to eat. They do not throw the quills. That's mainly for cartoon purposes.
2014-01-10 13:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by Bill 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. It was a popular belief that porcupines can shoot their quills but that's not true. If you want to know more about them, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porcupine
2006-10-08 23:49:57 · answer #6 · answered by stevenirmala 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, porcupines can not shoot their quills. The quills are easily dislodged though.
2006-10-08 23:51:59 · answer #7 · answered by Grace 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, but they come loose very easily that it's almost like they can shoot them ie. If you brush against one it can release its quills into you. If you're afraid of that happening for some reason, it's okay. If you cut the quill it comesout easily. You must cut it open; don't try to remove it without cutting.
2006-10-08 23:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by tyreanpurple 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No they can not. Here is a link that shows a lot about porcupines
2006-10-08 23:55:15 · answer #9 · answered by notyours 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They can't shoot them but they release very easily, and the pricking end is barbed so they can be very painful, and very hard to get out. Best tack is avoidance! And keep your dog away, if you have one.
2006-10-08 23:52:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋