 Porcupines are the prickliest of rodents, with their Latin name meaning quill pig. There are about two dozen species of porcupines, with all boasting a coat of needle-like quills. These quills give predators a sharp reminder that they are no easy meal. Porcupines are herbivores, preferring leaves, herbs, twigs, and green plants like skunk cabbage and clover. In the winter they may eat bark. The North American porcupine is nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. Because of its large incisors, porcupines can clip twigs and small branches off trees. Damage caused by porcupines is distinctive because of the 45-degree angle cut seen on fallen branches. Porcupines quills or spines take on various forms depending on the species, but all are modified hairs coated with thick plates of keratin. Wyoming porcupines have single quills, which are interspersed with bristles, underfur, and hair. Quills are released by contact with them, or they may drop when the porcupine shakes its body. New quills grow to replace the lost ones. Have you ever wondered if porcupines could actually attack you? From ancient times it was believed that porcupines could throw their quills at an enemy. However, this has long been refuted. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Brian Sebade, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.