PORCUPINE: Listen to Warnings
“Don’t stand too near a Porcupine!”, people warn. “For, if you do, you will be shot with barbed quills.” Contrary to popular belief, Porcupine does not throw her quills. Instead, She shakes her tail at her attacker. Meanwhile, African Porcupine runs backwards into his attacker. This small waddling Rodent goes through life undisturbed by most animals.
Although, They look similar, the two Families of Porcupines (New World and Old World) are not closely related. African Porcupine has fur intermingled with his quills. Meanwhile, American Porcupine uses her tail quills to secure Herself to her tree.
Porcupine of America readily climbs trees. If there is danger on the ground, She will den in a tree. However, Mother Porcupine will leave her baby (Porcupette) in a nearby cave or rock den, safe until She returns for Him. Meanwhile Porcupette practices climbing and exploring until his Mother returns. (Unusual for Mammals, Mother Porcupine sends her grown Daughters away but allows her Sons to stay.)
Although African Porcupine cannot climb trees, He lives in a small underground colony with his relatives. Since his quills are hollow, African Porcupine can swim across the water easily buoyed up by them. Because He can ably defend Himself, Africans consider his quills to be good luck charms.
Carrying his quills around, Porcupine goes through life undisturbed. When He is upset, Porcupine will click his teeth and hiss. After Porcupine stamps her feet, most Animals leave Her alone. The ones that persist, get a nose full of quills. Heed a warning no matter how subtle teaches Porcupine.
Wisdom of Porcupine Includes:
Renew Your Sense of Wonder
Innocence
Self-Defense
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009
From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:
Finding Your Animal Teachers
Animals For Everyone: Mammals
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