African Porcupine

This animal is often refered to as the cape or crested porcupine. It is the largest rodent in southern africa and can obtain a weight of 37 lbs. The quills are normally flat along the side of the animal raising as it is attacked. When attacked the porcupine will back into its attacker with less then pleasent results for the agressor. If you go to our Leopard page there are a couple of photos of a young leopard that started an attack, but decided it wasn't to bright before getting stuck. This animal is normally found in rocky and hilly areas but can adapt to almost any environment. Usually only seen at night, we were lucky to get these photos. Or more correctly the leopard chased it out of a hole providing the opportunity.

In latin the word porcupine means quill pig. Not sure why, as they are not remotely related to pigs.