Quills
It was nearly a mile hike into the area I had scouted out earlier in the day. The goal was to return in the evening when the Porcupines were more likely to be active. Sure enough, this one crossed my path in the dark and began feeding. Each time I took shots, the rodent flared its long guard hairs and quills in response to the flash … and NO, they do not throw their quills!
~ Anecdote and Porcupine capture, Quills © Jerry L. Ferrara