How many quills, in thousands, does an average porcupine have?

The average porcupine is estimated to have around 30,000 quills, which provides them with an effective defense mechanism against predators. These quills, made from keratin, are sharp and can easily detach when they come into contact with another animal, making them an effective deterrent. This quill count represents a significant aspect of their biology and their adaptation to their environment, illustrating how they have evolved to survive in the wild. The choice of 30,000 therefore reflects the broader scientific consensus on the average number of quills possessed by porcupines, aligning with the standard understanding in wildlife studies.