The porcupine has a life span of 15-16 years on average, but is known to live up to 20 years in captivity. Porcupines give birth to babies, instead of laying eggs. There characteristics are that porcupines have black, white, and brown all over their bodies. They have quills up to 14 inches long, can weigh up to 60 pounds, their length is 20-30 inches, and their classification is a mammal, but sometimes called a rodent. Porcupines make sounds that sound like squeals or kazoos.