North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum):
* Length: 25-36 inches (64-91 cm)
* Weight: 12-35 pounds (5.4-15.9 kg)
* Tail: 6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Other Porcupine Species:
* Prehensile-tailed Porcupine (Coendou prehensilis): Can grow up to 3 feet long (91 cm) and weigh up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
* Brush-tailed Porcupine (Atherurus africanus): Measures up to 27 inches long (69 cm) and weighs up to 11 pounds (5 kg).
Note: Females are typically smaller than males.
Quills:
Porcupine quills are sharp and barbed, and can be anywhere from 1 to 3 inches long. They are not actually "thrown" but are attached to the porcupine's skin and detach easily if the porcupine feels threatened.