“Talking Porcupines”

Writing Prompt Idea!

So I went to the trail cam the other day . . .

Those of you who follow me regularly know I have porcupines hanging out in my yard every now and again, eating from my hemlocks and using the space under my shed as a temporary den.

I’ve read they normally hang out alone, but sometimes share a den with another adult. I usually only see one at a time on the camera.

But in the video below, March 24th, I saw two!

The night AFTER that, the trail cam picked up these two “talking” outside the den.

Turn on your sound!!

What do you think they’re talking about? In the first video, the porcupines are about the same size. Is it two adults? Or a mother and her porcupette? Hmmmmm. In the second video, the new porcupine is much larger.

Here are the facts I know about porcupines, and I’ll let you come up with the story to go along with the videos!

Maine porcupines are born April through June. They are one pound when born, and their quills are soft, hardening in an hour. Twins are rare, but it can happen. At two weeks old, they start to feed on green plants.

Porcupines can’t see very well, but they have excellent hearing! When they sense danger, they spin to show off their quills.

They have more than 30,000 quills to show off! Most of the time these quills lay flat, but they can raise them when they feel like they are in danger.

A porcupine’s front teeth never stop growing! So they chew on hard surfaces all the time.

Not quite ready to write? Want some more photos or information first? National Geographic for Kids has some! Click here!

So tell me, what do you think these porcupines were “talking” about?

Your story can be realistic, fantasy or a non-fiction article. Let your imagination lead the way!

I’d love to see what you come up with!

Happy writing!

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