Despite the fearsome appearance their many quills give them, porcupines tend to be gentle animals that are only aggressive when cornered. In captivity, they often show affection toward humans and want to be petted. In their natural habitat, they are an important part of the forest ecosystem. This volume addresses misconceptions about porcupines, giving only the facts about these surprisingly sweet creatures. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes give readers a closer look at porcupines, and a list of books and websites gives a jumping-off point for further independent research.