Porcupines. They just want to cuddle...and a park stamp. How about some fun porcupine facts? Yes? No? Here we go. 1️⃣ A porcupine, aka Needle Beaver, has approximately 30,000 quills on its body. (Not a hugger. We repeat. Not. A. Hugger.) Dare we say it? We’re gonna say it. Don’t say it. Uhhhhhhh....Don’t lick it. 2️⃣ Myth busting. Porcupines cannot throw their quills. Don’t get us wrong, they may throw some witty barbs, (Porcupines are vocal critters and create a wide array of verbal cues, including shrill screeches, coughs, groans, whines, passive aggressive insults, and teeth chatters), but alas, no quill launching. However, on occasion, loose quills will fall out before it strikes (awkward), creating the illusion that they're being shot out. We apologize that it took so long to get to the point. 3️⃣ The most popular porcupine hobby is needlepoint. 4️⃣ What a slow poke. Porcupines are considered slow, attaining a maximum speed of two miles per hour. (Seems fine to us.) 5️⃣ Porcupines have a strong odor to warn away predators, which it can increase when agitated. Turn it up!!! The smell has been described as similar to strong human body odor, goats, or some cheeses. (Oh, hey pal. Didn’t see you standing there with a goat holding a plate of old cheese.) 6️⃣ Baby porcupines are called "porcupettes.” That is all. Image: Prickly visitor (porcupine) clings to railing outside the visitor centKatmai National Park & Preserveeserve. I’m gonna need to speak to the ranger. NPS/L.Law #porcupine #naturephotography #katmainationalpark #porcupines #alaska #funfact