Porcupine VS Hedgehog

People always see my porcupines and say, "Oh look at those hedgehogs!"

But let me clear, they are NOT the same.

Here are the top 5 ways you can tell a porcupine from a hedgehog just by looking:

1. Size Matters

Porcupines are much bigger. Think small dog.

Hedgehogs are pocket-sized—more like a large potato. If it looks like it could knock something over by accident, it's a porcupine.

2. Quills and Spikes

Hedgehog quills are short, smooth, and neat—almost like tiny toothpicks. Porcupine quills are long, sharp, and can look wild and messy. Some even have barbs!

(And yes, porcupines can actually release them. Hedgehogs can't.)

3. Nose and Face

Hedgehogs have little pointy noses like they're sniffing for bugs. Porcupines have a bigger, rounder nose with more "rodent" vibes. Bonus tip: Porcupines often have visible orange or yellowish teeth—hedgehogs don't.

4. Tail Check

Porcupines have a tail—and a strong one! Some even use it to help climb trees.

Hedgehogs barely have tails you can see. If it's got a tail that could do damage, it's not a hedgehog.

5. Feet and Toes

Porcupines have long toes with claws for climbing. Hedgehogs have tiny, dainty feet for scampering. If the feet look like they belong to a squirrel or raccoon, you're probably looking at a porcupine.

So next time you see a spiky little friend, take a moment and look a little closer. Hedgehogs are cute—but porcupines? They've got their own kind of cool.