Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines of the family Hystricidae, and the New World porcupines of the family Erethizontidae.
For species in the family Hystricidae, see For species in the family Erethizontidae, see list of erethizontids