Do porcupines shoot their quils

Answer 1

The answer is NO

A porcupine has no mechanism for launching it's quills at victims.

The porcupine will shake it's body making the hollow quills rattle as a threat, and in the process some of the quills may shake loose, but this is not the same as throwing them.

A porcupine will reverse towards the threat (with some considerable speed) and if the threat does not retreat quickly it may find itself with a large number of quills embedded in it's body.

The quills are not tipped with poison but have a large number of bacteria living on them that can lead to severe infection if not treated quickly.

Answer 2

Porcupines can not shoot their quills or even throw them at will. Although it is commonly believed that when a porcupine feels under threat, they will fire their quills, puncturing the approaching animal, it is in fact a fallacy. Porcupines are not able to deliberately throw their quills at will and can defiantly not aim and fire.

It is thought that the idea of Porcupines fire quill at enemies comes from the way in which they defend them selves. When a porcupine is threatened they will shake their quills rapidly and run backwards. This action creates a very load noise, similar to a lions roar, and frightens away the predator, but during the shaking action it has been known for a few quills to come loose. These either fall to the ground, or on very exceptional occasions may stick into the predators. This only happens very rarely and under normal circumstances the porcupine cannot do any harm to a predator that stays out of reach.

Answer 3

hmm. I have lately had this debate with a friend.

There are several theories. ? .

Although the encyclopedia states differently, I believe they can shoot their quills.

When a predator attacks, the animal first uses its tail in defence. If this does not work, the porcupine can shake its body. Since the quills are not firmly attached this can cause quills to fall out.

but can they 'shoot' their quills? My opinion is yes. But my opinion is an opinion, NOT a fact.

Answer 4

Porcupines cannot 'shoot' their quills; however, as they lash out with their tails full of quills, naturally some quills come loose and may end up being thrown several feet away.

Answer 5

some say yes others say no. In the encyclopedia it say they do not shoot quills. But I still think they do. Just to get an argument started;)

Answer 6

No, porcupines cannot shoot their quills.

Answer 7

True