Porcupines - Flight over Fight

Did you know that porcupines will try to run away from danger before using their quills? Like most animals, it takes less energy to run than using other protective measure like venom or fighting. Porcupines will try to seek a safe haven under rocks or up a tree as their first instinct to danger. Porcupines spend a considerable amount of time in trees, eating and staying safe from certain predators.

If this running strategy doesn't work though, then it's time for the quills. Porcupines will tuck their heads closer to their body and have their back facing the predator. A strong movement from their tail can cause enough momentum to release any loose quills on their body. This is when it might look like the quills are flying. All while this is happening they are stomping their hind legs to try to intimidate the enemy.

Even a baby porcupette can use their quills just hours after they are born. This is important since most porcupines leave their mothers side quite early, ready to take on the world without the help from anything but their legs and quills.