a spotted porcupinefish with its body inflated

Wacky Weekend: Prickly Critters

Whether they’re defending themselves from predators or attracting mates, these animals definitely have one feature in common: their spikes! Take a look at the porcupine, sage grouse, and other prickly critters in the photo gallery below.

TOUGH PUFF: When threatened, the spotted porcupinefish swallows water to puff up its body like a balloon, making its spines stand out.
Photograph by Dave Fleetham, Design Pics, Getty Images
<i>ALL TUCKED IN:</i> Rolled into a ball, the short-beaked echidna—native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea—defends itself with its spines while protecting its soft belly.<br>
ALL TUCKED IN: Rolled into a ball, the short-beaked echidna—native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea—defends itself with its spines while protecting its soft belly.
Photograph by Steven David Miller, NPL, Minden Pictures

More to explore!