Ologies with Alie Ward Erethizonology (PORCUPINES) with Tim Bean
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Feb 19, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Tim Bean, an associate professor at Cal Poly specializing in rodents, shares his expertise on porcupines. He reveals the quirky mating rituals and charming behaviors of these creatures, including their unique vocalizations and defenses. Listeners learn about the fascinating number of quills, baby porcupines, and how to safely interact with them. Tim's humorous anecdotes make for an entertaining journey into the world of porcupines, highlighting their ecological significance and often-misunderstood nature.
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Hugging a Porcupine
- When Tim Bean started researching porcupines, he googled how to pick one up.
- He found a self-help book titled "How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life."
Handling Porcupines
- Wear thick welding gloves when handling porcupines.
- Grab them carefully by the quill-less spot under their strong tail.
Porcupine Families
- There are two distinct porcupine families: Hystricidae (African/Eurasian) and Erethizontidae (North/South American).
- They may have evolved quills independently, highlighting convergent evolution.