Is there more to a porcupine than its spikes? Discover what makes a porcupine’s spikes so special, and whether a porcupine can shoot its quills like harpoons. Learn how God designed these pin-cushion rodents just right for life in the forest and up in the treetops.

Here’s our trail map:

• How Are Porcupines and Hedgehogs Different?
• Do Porcupines Have Hair?
• Do Porcupines Shoot Their Quills?
• How Can We Avoid Being Prickly Toward Others?

Related Lessons to listen to next:

• Why Do Beavers Have Orange Teeth? Lesson 96: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ae7ba93-1078-45da-9800-091435bef5c8/

Eryn's Books:

• The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
• 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

• God’s Design for Life: For Beginners by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-life-for-beginners
• Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
• Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/member
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Porcupine Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-are-porcupines-and-hedgehogs-different/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Do your best to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NCV)

“...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV)

“My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.” James 1:19-20 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Underfur: A dense layer of fine fur used for insulation (to keep warm)
• Guard Hairs: Long, stiff hairs that act like a raincoat. They are an extra layer of protection over the underfur.
• Quills: Hard, hollow hair-like structures made of keratin and used for defense, equipped with sharp barbs.
• Keratin: A type of protein that porcupine quills (and many other things in nature) are made from.
• Porcupine Rosette: An area on a porcupine’s back, above its tail, that is full of quills. It also has glands that make a very smelly scent to warn predators to back off.
• Arrector Pili: Tiny muscles that cause skin or hair to rise up. Us humans have arrector pili in our skin which causes our skin to raise up in goose bumps.

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