Contrary to popular belief, a hedgehog and a porcupine are not related nor are their quills alike. Yes, they both have quills and they are used for protection, but that’s where the similarities stop. A porcupine uses his quills defensively and shoots them at predators. Hedgehogs roll up into a ball and use their quills to form a protective shell when they are scared, anxious or stressed. The quills activate with the rolling motion which triggers tiny air chambers in the quills. The quills rise up and point straight up, but they are not ejected. Instead, they point outward and form a protective shell or shield. Most animals will see the quills and leave or even touch the quills and move on. Although the quills aren’t ejected they can hurt so keep other pets at a distance. For more information, contact your Sugar Land, TX veterinary clinic.