13 Of The World's Prickliest Critters (PHOTOS)

Being a thorny or spiny animal definitely has its advantages in nature. While these animals can use their spikes to attack their prey, such spikes also serve to protect them from predators. From slugs to crustaceans to land mammals, check out these prickly critters and vote for the one you don't want to get pricked by.

Thorny Devil Lizard

Found in the deserts of Australia, birds don't dare eat the thorny devil.



Photo credit: Flickr/Nokes

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Comments

[mamacat]

11:54 AM on 11/03/2009

As a kid, we used to find variations on the "horned devil" here in South Cal. Lots of fun to watch, and no danger to humans. Haven't seen any in ages, but they are probably still in the wild areas.

[MagicalPossibilities]

10:32 PM on 11/03/2009

Yep, here in AZ we have the horny toad. Cool critters.
Here's a photo of one I almost stepped on while hiking:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/magicalpossibilities/2930508444/

[kittyeggrolls]

11:27 AM on 11/03/2009

I based my vote on whether or not people eat these animals or own them as pets. For instance, hedgehogs are pretty harmless.

[Ryoki]

08:54 AM on 11/03/2009

In nature it pays to be a prick.