Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum dorsatum 



a half-inch to three inches in length, make the defense 

 a formidable one. When danger approaches the porcu- 

 pine lowers its head, arches its back and appears to be 

 rolled into a ball. The spines stand up and point in all 

 directions and the tail is made ready for a vigorous 

 sweep. When attacked, the tail strikes like a whip and 

 the enemy receives a large collection of sharp penetrat- 

 ing needles. Since the spines or quills protect every 

 portion of the body, its defense is almost impregnable. 



-^ 148 ><- 



