The Family Erethizontidae comprises the New World porcupines, a group of large, primarily herbivorous rodents native to North and South America. They are characterized by their coarse fur interspersed with sharp quills used for defense against predators. Erethizontids are mostly arboreal, living in trees and feeding on leaves, bark, fruits, and seeds, though some species forage on the ground. They have strong, curved claws for climbing, and a slow, deliberate lifestyle. Ecologically, they play a role in forest dynamics through feeding and seed dispersal, while also serving as prey for large carnivores.